FRENCH FORCES IN INDOCHINA

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24741, 5 December 1945, Page 3

FRENCH FORCES IN INDOCHINA

ANNAMESE DEFENCES SMASHED

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SAIGON, December 3. A British and French communique states that French troops broke through the Annamese defences near Uhatrang 190 miles north-east of Saigon, and inflicted heavy casualties.

A column of French troops 160 miles north-east from Saigon captured the communications centre of Benmethot. The French inflicted casualties on the' Nationalists and freed five French hostages, including three priests. The population gave the French troops a great welcome.

The French authorities in Saigon report that Annamese Nationalists, burned down the Roman Catholic mission at Longswiyen. They made the French nuns prisoner* and turned out Annameso nuns. French orphans were also taken prisoner, while of 100 Annamese orphans, all the younger ones are believed to have been burned to death and the older ones taken prisoner. The Longswiyen hospital was also burned down. The Japanese responsible for its defence adopted a passive attitude.

Kiwi House Hostel.—Kiwi House, which has been conducted by Lady Hewart as a private hostel in London for New Zealanders, has closed its doors after four years. It had accommodation for 45 men. The New Zealanders in residence presented Lady Hewart with a set of silver and tortoiseshell cases and an inscribed silver tray.—London, December 3.