FRENCH PATROL

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1940, Page 7

FRENCH PATROL

CAUGHT BY ENEMY In Pincer Movement [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Received February 13, 7.40 p.m.) BERLIN, February 12. The German Official News Agency claims that a German patrol at Forbach killed, wounded, and took prisoners the majority of a numerically stronger French patrol. The nght began when the French machinegunned and grenaded a German post at a range of only fifteen to twenty yards. A German battalion commander then ordered a pincer movement, which isolated the French patrol and prevented reinforcements reaching it,. by holding off a numerically stronger force to the rear. The French fought courageously and they refused to surrender. The Germans killed seven of them, and wounded and took prisoners several others. One wounded was the only German casualty. FRENCH REPORT. (Received February 13, 7 p.m.) RUGBY, February 12. The French official evening communique states: “TTiere is nothing of importance to report.” (Received February 14, 1.30 a.m.J PARIS, February 13. The French morning communique states there is nothing to report. ARRESTS OF FRENCH COMMUNISTS. PARIS, February 13. The French police have arrested 23 more Communists. FRENCH BROADCAST NEWS. TO GERMAN SOLDIERS. LONDON, February 13. Broadcasting of news by loudspeakers from the French lines on the Western Front has caused considerable consternation among Nazi authorities. German soldiers have been prohibited from listening to the news. It is reported that they are ignorant of both political and military activities abroad. The French, however, began their broadcast . to German soldiers across the Rhine, confining the information given to actual news. When the first broadcast was given the German soldiers left their positions to listen. On the second occasion they again left their positions, but were observed to be forced back by their officers. On the third occasion machine-gun fire was opened. FRENCH CONFIDENCE IN M. DALADIER. RUGBY, February 12. _ Much interest is shown in the British Press in the unanimous vote of confidence in the French Government, after the Chamber of Deputies’ recent session. The result is hailed as a signal personal triumph for the French Premier and as an undeniable indication of the solidarity and unity of the French nation. “The Times,” after noting the unanimous votes has strengthened M. Daladier’s position, recalls that M. Herriot after the secret proceedings were over, emphasised the digni y and nobility which had marked the i discussion. It had, he said, dispelled certain legends and established th . 1 truth, and had confirmed . national unity in striking and decisive fashion.' Certainly nothing could have been more satisfactory than the motion, which after two days debate, war. signed by the leaders of all parties and carried unanimously.