SITUATION ON MADAGASCAR

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23747, 19 September 1942, Page 5

SITUATION ON MADAGASCAR

Terms Rejected By Vichy “ISLAND TO BE DEFENDED” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17. The Vichy Secretary for the Colonies has issued the following communique; “The British demands are so unacceptable that negotiation is no longer possible. The Governor-General <M. Annel) has decided to defend the island to the utmost limit. “The British have not advanced more than 100 miles inland, in spite of the disproportion between the forces.” The Vichy correspondent of the British United Press says it is understood that the British demanded unconditional surrender and the creation of a de Gaullist regime. The Vichy communique was broadcast by the Vichy radio station on the nearby island of Reunion, and repeated by the British-controlled radio at Diego Suarez, in the north of Madagascar. It also stated that all measures had been taken for continuing the struggle. An earlier radio message from Diego Suarez said that the British representatives arrived this morning at the place where the armistice was to have been arranged, but there was no mention of the French delegates having arrived. There was no official news from Madagascar on Thursday, although Vichy radio said that the Governor <M. Annet) had rejected the British armistice terms. There was no confirmation of this from any other sburce. Vichy radio also stated that fighting is continuing. A radio message from Diego Suarez stated that the British representatives arrived at the place where the armistice was to have been arranged, but there was no mention of the French delegates having arrived