VICHY REJECTION
AMERICAN PROPOSALS REMOVAL OF WARSHIPS HELD AT ALEXANDRIA (Bv Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (9.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON. July 15. The Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, disclosed that the Vichy Government had rejected two proposals made by President Roosevelt for the removal of the demilitarised French warships from the Egyptian war zone. President Roosevelt proposed to the Vichy Government .that the warships be moved through the Suez Canal under the protective custody of America to an American or a neutral port for internment until the end of the war. President Roosevelt pointed out to the Vichy Government that the warships in Alexandria were in a precarious position and were always liable to be attacked, whereas, if removed, they would be safeguarded and returned to France at the end of the war. At the same time, President Roosevelt warned the Vichy Government that if the offer were rejected, the British would be justified in ordering the French warships from Alexandria via Suez Canal and if they did not follow such orders, the British would be fully justified in destroying them. The Vichy Premier, M. Laval, rejected this offer. On July 9 President Roosevelt made a second proposal, suggesting that the warships be withdrawn via Suez Canal .to proceed under British and American guarantees of safe passage to Martinique, where .they could be immobilised with an assurance that they would be returned to the French after the war. President Roosevelt emphasised that he made this proposal because, whatever the developments in the African zone in the near future, the French warships were in danger oi attack. M. Laval rejected this also. The Vichy Government insisted that the ships should proceed to a nearby French port. Mr. Welles said he was sure the French people would understand .the offers were made in the interests of the French.
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20837, 16 July 1942, Page 3
Word Count
304VICHY REJECTION Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20837, 16 July 1942, Page 3
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