NEW CALEDONIA

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1942, Page 5

NEW CALEDONIA

American Occupation LONDON, April 27. The United States War Departixient announced that the American troons in New Caledonia are under the command of Major-General M. Patch, junior On the arrival of the troops, General de Gaulle sent the following message to General Patch: I am glad to welcome you and the American troops under your command on your arrival in French territories in the Pacific. Americans and Frenchmen will' once 'more fight side by side against their common enemies," Major-General Patch replied stating that the Americans were proud to fight side by side with Frenchmen, and were confident of the outcome.” The French National Committee has issued the following statement regarding the arrival of American troops in New Caledonia. "The American troops have landed in accordance with the declaration issued bv the United States Department on February 28. which recognised the French National Committee in London'as the only French authority in all the French island possessions in the Pacific. . ' The United States Ambassador in .Vichy (Admiral W. D. Leahy) will call to-morrow on Marshal Petain for a further interview before' leavu" for Lisbon on his way to the United .States. It is expected that M Laval will attend. It wifi bp Admiral Leahy’s first meeting with M. Laval. ~, x . (Rec. midnight.) .. . WASHINGTON, April 27. President Roosevelt registered today with the local Draft Board in the registration'of men aged 45 to 64, throughout America. ■ .