IN FRANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1940, Page 5

IN FRANCE

FRENCH HIT BACK AROUND ST. QUENTIN. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, May 21. There are heavy concentrations of Frencjh infantry now regrouping around a gigantic salient which the Germans have occupied in the vicinity of Saint Quentin. The endeavour of the French is to close the pocket of this salient on the enemy if the German mechanised columns can be thrown back, Tlie French are reported to have destroyed one German mechanised column during a counter-attack that they made northward of Laon. Other French forces took as prisoners a few small German detachments who managed to effect a surprise crossing at the Aisne River near Bethel. MAGINOT LINE ATTACKED. LONDON, May £l. There has been a desperate German infantry attack against the .Mag-, inot Line proper. This was made near Montmedy. It has been repulsed. I The Germans sent out their infantry after a heavy artillery preparation, but the German shock troops were thrown back with heavy casualties. FOCH’S RISE RECALLED. PARIS, May *2O. M. Andre Maurois, broadcasting, paid a , tribute to General Weygand, and said: “When the /government called General Weygand, in order to restore the grave position, - he arrived by air from Syria, listened to a report on the situation, assessed the difficulties, and then declared: “I am at the service of France.” M. Maurois added: “We know General Weygand has retained his marvellous quickness yof 'decision. Like Marshal Foci) in 1918 he takes command in the midst of a compromised battle, and, like Marshal Focli, he will emerge victoriously.” MOTOR CYCLE TROOPS. t PARIS, May 21. No fewer than 60,000 motor cycle troops have constituted one of Heir Hitler’s “Blitzkreig” weapons on the Western Front. Numbers of these fighters have, been mown down by French tanks, and more have been severely strafed by the Allied planes. CLAIMS GROSSLY EXAGGERATED (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. It is learned in London tin t the claims in the German communique | are regarded as grossly exaggerated. J The latest reports from London , state tin- B.E.F. is fighting well in its assigned positions, and is i*a good heart. The situation is still obscure in the south from tin- British front. Tt is known that German claims in this area are based on the limits that smaller mechanised detachments have' reached. Lord Beaver brook appeals to all aircraft employees to work for the next two Saturdays and Sundays, and at full overtime during the night and day for the present. Some British war correspondents have returned to London. BOMB TNG OF CHANNEL PORTS. (Received this dev at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. ( The Berlin Press states German pl-ilies’ bombed Zobrwrire. Osfend, j Dunkirk, Calais and Boulogne. .They 1 admit strong Allied resistance in Ghent, along the river Schelde. I A FRENCH DECREE. j PARTS. M”v 21. * Among the French Cabinet’s latest!

decisions, a decree lms boon passed authorising that coint martial shall Ir.v all persons, either military or civil, who are arrested in the act of committing military crimes or crimes against the safety of the state'. No appeal will he allowed. FRENCH PREMIER. COUNTRY IN DANGER. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) PARIS, May 21. Premier Roynaud, addressing the Senate, stated since the morning the Germans had occupied Arras and Amiens, and the country was In danger. General Weygaud was actively commanding the front. Britain and France cannot lie beaten, and cannot die. “If the people say ‘a miracle is needed to save France,’ I sav I believe in miracles, because 1 believe in. i France.”