CHANGE IN WEST AFRICA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23804, 25 November 1942, Page 3

CHANGE IN WEST AFRICA

Dakar Now Under Darlan ACTION OF FRENCH LEADERS (8.0. W.) RUGBY, November 23. The vast territory of French West Africa, including Dakar, has placed itself under the authority of Admiral Darlan. Broadcasting on the Algiers radio to-night, Admiral Darlan said: “People of French Africa, I have great news for you. The entire territory of French West Africa has placed itself freely at my disposal, thereby showing itself faithful to its oath to Marshal Petain. “The enlightened patriotism of M. Boisson, the GovernorGeneral of West Africa, and of General Barreau, commanding the land, sea, and air forces in West Africa, thus joins forces with that of the eminent Generals Giraud and Nogues and Governor-General Chatel. We have taken the right road for the defence of French Africa. Follow me boldly, with discipline and patriotism. Long live France!” Marshal Petain, in a broadcast, appealed to the French forces in West Africa to remain loyal to him, and called on them to resist aggression from any quarter. French West Africa includes the important provinces of the French Sudan, the Ivory Coast, French Guinea and Senegal, and, most important of all, the strategic naval base of Dakar on the Atlantic coast. Dakar is the most westerly stronghold in French Africa. Many important units of the French navy were recently reported to be there, including the battleship Richelieu.

In official Allied quarters the placing of French West Africa under Admiral Darlan’s authority is regarded as purely a French matter. French delegates from Dakar reached their decision after more than a week's deliberations. , , .. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says; “Admiral Darlan’s assumption of control of French West Africa and Dakar constitutes a military and diplomatic victory entailing a substantial increase in Allied land and sea power in African and American waters. Strategic Dakar has fallen into Allied hands as a by-product of the North African offensive, thus placing the only remaining danger point below Gibraltar out of the enemy’s reach. “Other important consequences are; “(1) The Allied supply line across the South Atlantic is reduced to the 1600 miles from Dakar to Brazil. “(2) Dakar now becomes an Allied base of prime importance because of its good aerodrome and harbour, offering ample anchorage for ships and sssplsncs “(3) A major menace to South Atlantic shipping, and particularly to traffic between North and South America has been removed, since U-boats have been using Dakar as a refuelling base.

“(4) Numerous French submarines and other naval craft which fled to Dakar from Casablanca will presumably come under the control of Admiral Darlan. Furthermore, the battleship Richelieu, three cruisers, and several destroyers were recently reported at Dakar. “(5) The move is expected to have , a favourable effect on Spain, since there now lies an unbroken expanse of Allied territory south of Spanish Morocco.”