NAZIS IN AFRICA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 279, 25 November 1941, Page 7

NAZIS IN AFRICA

MANY NEW ARRIVALS

Reported Further Demands On

Vichy Government

Rec. 1 p.m

LONDON, Nov. 21

There has been a perceptible increase of German activities in r ronch North Africa .since General u evgand's dismissal, savs the Tangier correspondent of' the Daily Telegraph. German police have already taken up duty in Casablanca.

Vichy Ministers are touring French bases in North Africa.

The Ankara correspondent of the New ork Times says reliable sources say that Germany is sending an ultimatum to Vichv to deliver up the French Fleet and Tunisia (between Libya and Algeria), to Germany, under threat of the occupation of more French territory and the imprisonment of the French Government.

According to the M&drid correspondent of the Daily Mail General Weygand is virtually under house arrest. An officer is with him at Antibes. where he is spending a "holiday." Gendarmes are also posted outside his villa.

These guards are reported to be "protecting" him from indiscreet inquirers, but the real reason is to prevent General Weygand from returning to Africa.

The Vichy news agency, quoting the Paris Soir, says a French submarine forced the British blockade and entered Jibouti (French Somaliland) harbour, carrying supplies to the French inhabitants.

TOBRUK A SYMBOL Polish Leader's Message From Libyan Fortress MR. CHURCH ILL'S REPLY Rec. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 24. During his recent visit to Tobruk, General Sikorski. Polish Prime Minister, sent the following message to Mi-. Churchill: "Be assured that the brotherhood of nations, born of battle, will give us victory. I have seen manifest the 'spirit of the R.A.F., and now the cool unbreakable resistance so typical of the British Army. I take pride in the share of the glorious defence of this front-line fortress which has fallen to the lot of Polish soldiers and I see with pride the Dominion soldiers and the Czechoslovak soldiers who fight under General Kropanski.

"From Tobruk I declare to you my invincible faith in our cause under your leadership that is so farseeing and determined. Tobruk is our symbol of the freedom and peace which will endure."

Mr. Churchill, replying to General Sikorski's message, said: "Your Excellency's message with its generous tribute to the British forces is welcome. We are proud that Polish soldiers are now fighting under their gallant commander alongside the British forces. By their bearing in battle, as well as in preparation, they have worthily upheld the proud records of the Polish armies which fought in the defence of their own homes. In the struggle for victory, and thus for the freedom of their country and for a lasting peace, they are playing a proud part." MANY SUCCESSES Closing In On Italians In Abyssinia FREE FRENCH ACTIVE Rec. 1 p.m. RUGBY, Nov. 24. A Nairobi communique states: "Our forces are closing in round Gondar and enemy positions at Azoza, south of the" town, are now under our artillery fire. A sortie from Gondar was surrounded. A hundred Italians were killed and their commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Cessanni. was captured.

"A large number of patriots are co-operating with our forces and have achieved many successes. Three more Free French patrols have been active and recently penetrated into enemy positions. The Italians have estimated that they lost 200 killed during the attack on the Kulkader and Ferroader positions.

"South African and R.A.F. bombers and fighters have continually attacked enemy positions at Gorgora— in the Lake Tana area. Direct hits were scored on forts and buildings, which were severely damaged, and a large supply boat was seen to be sinking after being attacked from the air."