French Troops Break Truce On Thailand Border

Northern Advocate, 4 February 1941, Page 5

French Troops Break Truce On Thailand Border

LONDON, January 3

Reuter's correspondent at Bangkok reports that the French violated the truce on the Thailand-Indo-China border today, when the Thailand delegates from Bangkok were preparing to fly to the peace conference in Tokio.

Three clashes occurred in the Sisophon region. A French patrol violated the neutral zone, and one was shot dead, one escaped and four were taken prisoner. French Attack An hour later a whole regiment, with two tanks, tried to encroach on the same zone, but was repulsed. A third attempt similarly was frustrated Another Bangkok report says the possibility of a peaceful solution of the whole dispute was jeopardised on Saturday when fighting broke out in the Aranya sector, at Kompat. The Thai High Command said the French attacked Kompat, after which Thai forces counter-attacked and threw back the French. They said a second attack on Sunday was also repulsed. Jap. Destroyer at Bangkok A Thai communique indicated that the opposing forces had not yet withdrawn for 10 kilometres, according to the truce agreement. A Japanese destroyer, of 1200 tons, is reported to be anchored at Bangkok. It is denied from Bangkok, however, that there is any special significance in the visit. According to Chinese sources in Hongkong, Indo-China has sent emissaries to Singapore to discuss British co-operation to prevent the seizure by the Japanese of South China. Following the truce with Thailand, it is stated, French troops have started concentration in Cochin China to strengthen the defence of Saigon.