Resistance To Britain's Terms

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 7

Resistance To Britain's Terms

WHY FIGHT BEGAN

Mr. Churchill's Statement In House Of Commons

SINCEREST SORROW

(British Official Wireless!.—Rec. 12.30 p.m.)

RUGBY, July 4.

Mr. Winston Churchill, in a House of Commons statement, announced, with sincere sorrow, the measures the Government felt bound to take to prevent the French Fleet falling into German hands. He said that in deciding on these measures there was not the slightest hesitation or divergence among the Cabinet.

"Early yesterday morning, after preparations had been made, we took the greater part of the French Fleet under our control or else called upon it with adequate forces to comply with our requirements," he said. "That portion of the French Fleet which was unable to reach French ports came into the harbours at Portsmouth and Plymouth about ten days ago.

"Two battleships, two light cruisers, some submarines, including the Surcof, eight destroyers and approximately 200 small craft, lying at Portsmouth and Plymouth, were boarded by superior forces. Brief notice had been given where possible to the captains. The operation was successfully carried out without resistance except in one instance. Several French submarines also joined us independently and we accepted their service.

"At Alexandria, where there is a strong British Fleet, there are a French battleship, several cruisers and a number of smaller ships. They have been informed that they cannot be permitted to leave harbour to fall into the power of the German conquerors of France. Measures have been taken to ensure mat these ships will be sunk or otherwise made to comply with our wishes.

"The anguish which this process has caused the British Admiralty can be imagined. We shall offer the fullest facilities to all French officers and men at Alexandria who wish to continue the war.

The most serious part of the story is that two of the finest vessels of the French Fleet, the Dunkuerque and the Strasbourg, modern battle cruisers, lay with two battleships, several light cruisers, a number of destroyers, submarines and other vessels at Oran. The French admiral there refused to comply with the demands contained in the Note presented to him and announced his intention of fighting.

. O"* ba " le e a< * uadTon had arrived at Oran under ViceAdmiral Hugh Somerville, supported by cruisers and strong flotillas. At 5.58 p.m. he opened fire upon the powerful French Fleet, which was supported by shore batteries. At 6.6 p.m. he reported that he was heavily engaged. At 7.30 p.m. Admiral Somerville reported that a battle cruiser of the Strasbourg class was damaged and one of the Bretonne class sunk. Another battleship of the same class, two French destroyers and a seaplane carrier were also sunk or burning. During the action one of the French battle cruisers, which slipped out of the harbour was pursued by aircraft and hit by at least one torpedo. ViceAdmiral Somerville's Fleet, in all respects, is intact.

~ The Italian Navy kept out of the way," Mr, Churchill added. A large proportion of the French Fleet is in our hands or has been put out of action or otherwise withheld from Germany by yesterday s events. Other French ships are at sea and everything pos Sl ble will be done to prevent their falling into enemy