FRENCH EMPIRE LOYAL

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23054, 24 June 1940, Page 7

FRENCH EMPIRE LOYAL

WISH TO CONTINUE STRUGGLE MESSAGES RECEIVED IN LONDON (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) (Received June 23, 8.30 p.m.) RUGBY, June 22. Reports have been received in London from all parts of the French Empire emphasising their loyalty and making it clear that the feeling in the French colonies is strongly in favour of continuing the war. Various Governors-General and commanders of troops have indicated that they are prepared to continue the fight against aggression side by side with the Britisn Empire. In one case a Governor-General stated that he would never accept the

terms of capitulation, and others had indicated that if the French Central Government surrendered they would continue the struggle, if necessary, under British orders. It is learnt in London that the French colony in Syria and Lebanon, addressed the following telegrams from Beirut to the President and Premier of France and to General Weygand and Admiral Darlan: "The French colony in Syria and Lebanon puts all its confidence In you for safeguarding the honour of France. It places at your disposal all its resources, both moral and material, and it implores you to make every effort to continue the struggle in company with our Allies and with the British and French fleet, in the territories of the French Empire—territories which the enemy has not penetrated, and which intend to continue an indomitable resistance."