ANGLO-FRENCH FRICTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 May 1942, Page 5

ANGLO-FRENCH FRICTION

AERIAL ENCOUNTER

LONDON, May 19. The Vichy Government has issued a communique which states: A British seaplane flew over French Algerian territorial waters at nine o’clock on Monday morning. Our fighter patrols went out to halt it in conformity with international law. The British plane, having opened fire, our airmen replied, forcing it down at sea. “A British torpedoboat opened fire on two French ships which were proceeding to rescue the seaplane personnel, and then destroyed the seaplane, by gunfire. At the same time the torpedo-boat’s antiaircraft guns opened fire on one French fighter patrol, which succeeded in bringing down a second British plane. One French plane is missing.” ESTIMATED LOSSES. LONDON, May 19. An article in the Paris paper, “Le Matin,” states: Owing to the British intervention, since the Armistice, France has lost about one million one hundred and twenty thousand square miles of territory, containing ten million white people. The French naval losses have totalled 650,000 tons of seized shipping, and 73,000 ton’s sunk and also 183,000 blocked in ports. CANADA AND VICHY

OTTAWA, May 19

The Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie King) told the House of Commons that Canada had decided against a change in relations with Vichy at present The Government had taken into account the belief that the great majority of the French people favour the United Nations’ cause and their morale must be maintained. Mr. King said the decision was not to be considered as an indication of approval of any particular Government. He believed Canadian feeling was strongly against the present French administration.

CONSULATES TO CLOSE. (Rec. 2 p.m.) OTTAWA, May 20. Mr. Mackenzie King told the Commons that the Canadian Government had asked Vichy to close its Consular offices and agencies. This does not mean a breach of diplomatic relations, Mr. Mackenzie King explained. The present conditions had reduced the duties of the Consular officials. They rendered little service, and had become objects of suspicion VICHY PROPAGANDA OTTAWA, May 19. A report from Vichy states: The Vichy Government has launched a short-wave propaganda campaign which is designed to woo the FrenchAmericans away from allegiance to. the United States. The Vichy radio suggested the development of a French bloc in the United States, one adhering to the ancient French traditions, rather than to American policies, and also pointing out that several million French Canadians remain proudly faithful to their traditions.