HOSTILITIES CEASE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 292, 9 November 1942, Page 2

HOSTILITIES CEASE

POSITION AT ALGIERS. (Rec. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 8. The Vichy radio says that hostilities have been suspended at Algiers. The Morocco radio says that the French air base at Rabat has been evacuated for military reasons. The French garrison at Algiers has laid down arms, accordihg to the Vichy radio, which added that the American forces were taking over from 10 p.m. local time, says the Official. Wireless. The French forces will, be restricted to police duties, An agreement has been signed between the commandant of the French forces in North Africa, appointed by Darlan, and the commander of the American troops. No confirmation of this has yet been received from Allied sources. Earlier cable messages stated: Beyond General Eisenhower's terse announcement of the landings, news of the North-West African operations is restricted to Axis and neutral sources. It is emphasised in London that the operations are an “American show” with British assistance. The latest despatch from Vichy states that the Allied forces which landed eastwards and westwards of Algiers have now encircled the city and are proceeding to surround the governor’s palace, one and a-half miles from the centre of the city. The Vichy Cabinet has decided that the United States, in carrying the war to French territory, lias de facto broken off relations with France. An official Vichy announcement claims that the French battleship Bevier either sank or severely damaged an American destroyer carrying rangers 10 miles offshore from Algiers. Another Vichy despatch says that fighting is proceeding between Arzeu and Oran and French troops are making a strong effort to reduce the bridgeheads at Safi and Fedala. The American occupation of Arzeu cuts Oran’s road and rail coastal communications with Algiers. Operations in Boudfer, which is 10 miles southwest of Oran, suggests an outflanking movement aimed at cutting off the naval base.

The Morocco radio to-night broadcast a communique stating that the enemy was held everywhere and that reinforcements which are on.the way will reach assigned positions during the night.