BRITAIN & FRANCE

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1941, Page 5

BRITAIN & FRANCE

SEIZURE OF WARSHIPS.

LIKELY AT ALEXANDRIA.

LONDON, May 17.

It is authoritatively stated in London that should Britain enter “ os “ tilities against Vichy the French warships at Alexandria will certainly be seized. The French units have been demilitarised, but they ,■ could quickly be commissioned. A fair proportion of the French naval personnel is believed to be on Britain's side, but not the majority. Thirteen French ships are now held in United States ports. Maritime circles said the crews were mostly secret followers of General de Gaulle, and were delighted at the possibiity that the vessels may be put into service against Germany. The crew of the Normandie welcomed coast guardsmen and toasted Mr. Roosevelt in champagne. Free French in Egypt COMMITTEE’S PROTEST OVER SYRIAN 'DROMES. (Received May 19, 9 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. An independent French Cairo correspondent says: “The National Committee of Frenchmen in Egypt have drawn up a declaration in which they protest against the cession of Syrian aerodromes to Germany. The declaration says: The committee emphatically denounces as hypocritical and underhand the character of the concession, which, by creating a new menace t 0 valiant imperial troops m the Middle East, may oblige our ally to take legitimate measures of defence. We know that, in protesting against this last particularly odious abdication, we are acting as a mouthpiece of all French in the homeland who are obliged to keep silence.” ARRESTS IN PARIS. PARIS, May 18. M. Debrinon announced that 42 persons were arrested at a demonstration in favour of General de Gaulle, held in the Tuilleries gardens on the Joan of Arc anniversary. He added the de Gaulle party’s advance publicity enabled precautions to bo taken, and disorder reduced to a minimum. German Concessions FRANCO-GERMAN NEGOTIATIONS (Received May 19, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 19. Negotiations between France and Germany are reported to be continuing. The Vichy Government stated they are proceeding favourably. It has been arranged that French civil seri vants and technical experts may pro--1 ceed to the North and East of occupied France. The repatriation M ■ French prisoners from Germany is being now discussed. It is being proposed that all French war prisoners who served in the 1914-18 war, comprising non-coms, corporals and soldiers, shall be repatriated from Germany.