SEA WARFARE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1940, Page 5

SEA WARFARE

FRENCH BLOCKADE. NO CONVOYS TO BE ALLOWED. (United Press Association Per Electric Telegraph Copyright). LONDON, September 16. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says: The arrival of six French warships at Dakar from Toulon, at present cannot be clearly interpreted. The British naval authorities allowed them to pass, only because they were leaving and not entering the Mediterranean, a result of which -is that six modern French warships are withdrawn from possible seigure by Italy aud Germany.

It is hardly creditable that it is seriously proposed to use these ships to escort a convoy of supply ships to France. The Vichy Government must know there is not the. slightest hope of the British blockade relaxing in its favour.

One theory is that the ships are intended to replace the visit to Africa by General Wcygand, which he was unable to carry out owing to a “mysterious accident” to the plane in 'which lie was travelling. Possibly he and the French naval authorities would not be surprised to*find the position in French Africa developing in a manner with which they can no longer cope.

SEAPLANE SHOT DOWN.

VICHY, September 17.

It. is officially stated that a French fighter plane patrol shot down a British seaplane near Casablanca after the seaplane had opened fire on them. Three of the seaplane’s crew were rescued.