French Threaten To Shoot Hostages
LONDON, Dec. 1
Five German hostages will be killed for every French soldier killed by snipers in Strasbourg, a pi’oclamation issued by the French Ist Army commander, General Le Clerc, states. The edict will become effective at 5 p.m. tomorrow. After that time there will be a death penalty for illegal possession of firearms. Any German soldier found wearing civilian clothing will be shot. General Le Clerc announced that hostages to be shot in reprisal for the killing of his troops will be drawn from a group of prisoners held by his division.
A United Press correspondent points out that there is some doubt whether this threatened execution of hostages will be carried out, because American troops have taken over the garrison of Strasbourg. Summary Justice Residents of Perthuis (Southern France) threaten to execute five Fifth Columnists unless they are tried within 24 hours. The ultimatum to the local Government follows a disastrous explosion at Chateau de la Timone, in which several people were killed. The explosion is stated to have been caused by Fifth Columnists. The People’s Local Committee of Liberation formed itself into a People's Tribunal and tried five men and condemned them to death.
The local Government representative ordered suspension of the executions until a legal trial is held.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19441202.2.92
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Northern Advocate, 2 December 1944, Page 7
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217French Threaten To Shoot Hostages Northern Advocate, 2 December 1944, Page 7
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