BRITAIN’S HAND FORCED

Evening Star, Issue 23620, 5 July 1940, Page 7

BRITAIN’S HAND FORCED

Heavy Engagement Off Oran 1 •* / . Powerful French Forces Overcome FLEET SMASHED OR CRIPPLED Only One Big Ship Escapes . - ■ (British Official Wireless.) . • Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright „ RUGBY, July 4. (Received July S, at 11 a.m.) Mr Churchill, in a House of Commons statement, announced with sincere sorrow the measures the Government felt bound to take to prevent the French fleet falling into German hands. He said that in deciding on these measures there was not the slightest hesitation or divergence among the members of the 'Cabinet, and proceeded:— “ Early yesterday morning, after preparations had been made, we took the greater part of the French fleet under our control, or else called upon it, with adequate forces, to comply with our requirements. That portion of the French fleet which was unable to reach French ports 1 came into thh harbours of Portsmouth and Plymouth about 10 days ago. ■Two battleships, two light cruisers, some submarines (including the very large Surcof), eight destroyers, and approximately 200 small craft lying at Portsmouth and Plymouth were boarded _ by superior forces. Brief notice had been given, where possible, to the captains, and the operation was successfully carried out without resistance, except in. one instance. Several French submarines also joined us independently, and we accepted their service. At Alexandria, where there was a strong British fleet, there was a French battleship, several cruisers, and a number of smaller ships. They had been informed that they could not be permitted to leave harbour to fall into the power of the German conquerors of France. Measures had been taken to ensure that these ships would be sunk or otherwise made to comply with our wishes. The anguish which this process has caused the British Admiralty can be imagined. We shall offer „, y the fullest-facilities to all-s French officers and tnen at Alexandria who wish to continue the war. “ The most serious part of the story is that two of the finest vessels of the French fleet—the Dunkerque and the* Strasbourg, modern battle cruisers—lay with two battleships, several light cruisers, and a number of destroyers, submarines, and other vessels at Oran. The French admiral there refused to copiply with the demands contained in the Note presented to him, and announced his intention of fighting. A British battle squadron had arrivd at Oran, under Vice-Admiral Somerville, supported ' by cruisers and strong flotillas. At 5.58 p.m. he opened fire npon the powerful French fleet, which was supported by the shore batteries. At 6.6 p.m. he reported that he was heavily engaged. At 7.30 p.m Vice-Admiral Somerville reported that a battle cruiser of the Strasbourg class bad been damaged and one of the Bretonne class sunk. Another battleship of the same class, two French destroyers, and a seaplane carrier had also been- sunk or were burning. During the action one of the French battle cruisers, which slipped out of the harbour, was pursued by aircraft and hit by at least one torpedo. Vice-Admiral Somerville’s fleet is in all respects The Italian navy kept out of the way.” Mr Churchill added that a large proportion of the French fleet was in our.hands or had been put out of action or otherwise withheld from Germany by yesterday’s events. Other French ships are at sea, and everything possible, will be done to'prevent their falling into enemy hginds.