ANGLO-FRENCH SCRAP

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1942, Page 5

ANGLO-FRENCH SCRAP

AIR AND NAVAL FORCES In French African Waters PLANE LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES. [Aust. & N.Z. Cabie Assn.l (Rec. 5.5) LONDON, May 19. The Vichy Government has issued a communique which states: A British seaplane flew over French Algerian territorial waters at 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 torpedo-boat 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 torpedoboat’s anti-aircraft guns opened fire on one French fighter patrol, which succeeded in bringing down a second British plane. One French plane is missing.’’

France’s Big Losses THROUGH BRITISH ACTION. (Rec. 5.5). 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 two hundred and twenty thousand square miles of territory, containing ten million white people. The French naval losses have totalled six hundred and fifty thousand tons of seized shipping, and seventy-three thousand tons sunk and also 183 thousand tons blocked in ports. CANADA’S LlNtx. RELATIONS TO BE KEPT UP. (Rec. 8.10). OTTAWA, May 19. The Prime Minister of Canada, Mr MacKenzie King, told the Canadian House of Commons that Canada had decided against any change in her relations with the Government at Vichy at present. The Government had taken into account a belief that a great majority of French people favoured the United Nations’ cause, and that their morale must be maintained. Mr. MacKenzie King said that this decision was not to be considered as an indication of x Canadas approval of any particular Government. He Said that he believed that Canadian feeling was strongly against the present French administration. (Rec. midnight) OTTAWA. May 19.

Mr. Mackenzie King Prime Minister of Canada, told the House of Commons, that Canada’s relations with the Vichv Government, will not be changed for the present. He declared: “After careful’ consideration and consultation by the British and American Governments, any change at present would be inadvisable.”

French in U.S.A. , URGED TO SUPPORT VICHY (Rec. 12.0) OTTAWA, May 19. A report from Vichy states: The Vichy Government has • launched a short-wave propaganda campaign which is designed to woo the French-Americans 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. PARIS JEWS SHOT. FOR ATTACKS ON NAZI SOLDIERS. LONDON, May 19. German authorities in Paris announce that five Jews have been shot for attacks on German soldiers. FRENCH UNION SECRETARY SHOT. LONDON, May 19. The Free French headquarters in London stated Rene le Gall, Secretary of the Labourers’ Union of the Seine Et Oise Department, was among hostages shot in Paris. He refused to have his eyes bandaged. He shouted, “Vive L’Angleterre! Vive De Gaulle!” before he was shot.