FRENCH SOMALILAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 77, 27 September 1941, Page 9

FRENCH SOMALILAND

REPORTED ATTACK BY BRITISH

ULTIMATUM TO GOVERNOR

LONDON, September 25,

The Vichy correspondent of the Associated Press quotes the Jibuti radio as. declaring that British regular troops, with the support of flanking detachments, attacked a French post at Assamo, in French Somaliland.

The French are reported to have maintained a steady fire for several .hours, holding off the British while withdrawing to a neighbouring hill which was easier to defend.

The Paris radio reported that General Cunningham has sent a new ultimatum to the Governor of French Somaliland demanding the surrender of the colony and also warning the Governor that if harbour installations and railway communications were destroyed those guilty would be severely punished and the French population would be repatriated to France.

DENIAL IN LONDON

POSSIBLE EXPLANATION

RUGBY, Sept. 25

In reference to a rumour from Vichy sources of a British attack at Jibuti, it is stated authoritatively that no such attack has taken place. •

It is stated that the Vichy French authorities at Jibuti, in order to get rid of useless mouths, have been forcing local inhabitants not of British nationality towards the British lines, under threat of opening' fire if they seek to return to the French zone. Some have obeyed the Vichy orders and sought refuge in the British lines. In view of the enfeebled and underfed condition of these unfortunate Somalis, refuge and food have been given them. It is probable, however, that some, basing their estimate of British behaviour on that of the Vichy authorities, have not dared to come over and have endeavoured to return to the French lines. It is probable that the return of such Somalis has led to their being fired on by Vichy troops, possibly under the misapprehension that they were British troops attacking. This would account for the rumour. — 8.0. W.