FRENCH MOROCCO

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 September 1940, Page 7

FRENCH MOROCCO

SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES ? SPANISH SUSPICIONS , *[BY CABLE. —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, September 18. “The- Times” says, various reports indicate that the situation in French Morocco is deteriorating. There is a shortage of everything. Only minor details of administration can be settled locally and questions of major policy are referred to Vichy, which means the Wiesbaden Armistice Tribunal. ■ Vichy propaganda, under Italian and German inspiration, aims to prove that Britain alone ~is going to starve the Frencji, the Jews, and the Moors.

Spanish Morocco corresponds to the position in Spain. Spain, does not want war and is afraid of internal trouble. Spanish officers suspect the British or the Allies of .planning to land troops in Morocco, with the object of securing the southern shores of the Straits of Gibraltar. German propagandists are fostering this suspicion, as a result of which larger forces of Spanish metropolitan troops have been transferred to Morocco. Gunposts cover practically the entire coast. '

A curious situation has arisen in Spain. It is Understood that the Moroccan Regulars (combined Spanish and Moorish troops in the Spanish Army) have been transferred to Spain. Some of them have been.sent to the Asturias, which was\ never completely ■ pacified. Moorish troops are also believed to be stationed in the Badajoz Region. Recruiting has reopened in Morocco for native troops, partly to avoid complaints of unemployment and food shortage among the Riffs. The Gestapo is already operating in French Morocco, and also to a lesser degree in Spanish Morocco.

The Vichy Government has appointed one of its generals as Vice-Governor-General of French Equatorial Africa. This appointment could only be nominal, as Equatorial Africa has allied itself with General de Gaulle, and rejected the Vichy Government. ZOUAVES’ COMMANDER RUGBY, September 19. It is officially announced from the general headquarters of the French free forces that the ex-commander of the First Zouaves at Casablanca, and the previous commander of a subdivision at Tetouan, has arrived in this country, and immediately placed himself at the disposal of General de Gaulle. SYRIA’S NEUTRALITY ' (Recd. Sept'. 20, 9.10 a.m.) ANKARA, September 19. The French Charge D’Affaires informed the newspaper “Ulus” that no base will be accorded the Italians in Syria. France is maintaining intact the situation created by the Mandate. There is no secret armistice in the clause. ’ NEW CALEDONIA’S DECISION

(Recd. Sept. 20, 9 a.m.) MELBOURNE, September 19. Advice has been received by the Federal Government from Noumea, that New Caledonia has declared itself for a Free France and linked up with General De Gaulle. The temporary Governor appointed by the Vichy Government. has resigned to make way for the Governor appointed by General De Gaulle. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Menzies said the internal vernment of Caledonia was a matter for its people, but Australia was naturally interested in developments there, which meant a friendly French colony, strengthening the close economic ties already existing between. Australian and Caledonia. “We have extensive trade relations there. We will continue to watch affairs with helpful sympathetic interest. We hope as soon as possible there; will be a measure of economic co-operation, not as a matter of hostility against anyone, but as a matter of mutual interest, Caledonia produces much nickel, and chrome ores of which Australia recently made substantial purchases.”