DAKAR’S POSITION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 263, 6 October 1942, Page 4

DAKAR’S POSITION.

Because of Its strategic position Dakar under Vichy rule, controlled by the Nazis, must always present a serious threat to the United Nations in waging war against the Axis Powers. Of

late Dakar has been more frequently in the news and not without good reason. The disastrous Free French attempt, supported by the British Government, to persuade the Governor to join the Allies failed because the time was not opportune for success. Since then, the unfortunate residents have felt the severest impacts of the war and their standard of living has been severely reduced. Whether this would influence them in favour of the Fighting French Movement cannot be said, but Vichy is leaving nothing to chance under Nazi dominance; the garrison at times has been strengthened and there is a report of French naval reinforcements, including a submarine flotilla, having arrived from the Mediterranean. At the same time some of the French population are being removed. Dakar has become a hotbed for Nazi intrigue against the United Nations and sooner or later they may have to take action similar to the operations in Syria and Madagascar, which have foiled Nazi and Japanese designs. It is quite conceivable that many enemy submarines operating in the South Atlantic are assisted by the convenience of Dakar, which could also be used for a base for raiding Brazilian ports if the Nazis desired . So long as Dakar remains in Vichy hands, witli the Nazis directing its control, it will be a thorn in the United Nations’ side which may have to be removed. The reported presence of an American convoy at a West African port may not be without significance if true.