FRENCH FLEET AT ALEXANDRIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 1 June 1943, Page 5

FRENCH FLEET AT ALEXANDRIA

BATTLESHIP AND CRUISERS INCLUDED London, May 31. The French warships at Alexandria yomprise one battleship, four heavy cruisers, at least three destroyers, and one submarine. Since General Giraud established headquarters in North Africa unofficial contacts are reported to have been maintained between him and Admiral Godefroy. Forty-five hundred sailors were repatriated to France when the warships were immobilised and about 1500 remained with the ships. A message published yesterday stated that the fleet had joined the Fighting French force. NO IMMEDIATE GAIN (Rec. 11.35 am.) London. May 31. The accession to the Allied naval forces of the French squadron from Alexandria will have a psychological value to the Allied cause and a depressing effect on the Axis, says Reuter’s naval correspondent. It does not mean any immediate naval gain. The move should be judged rather from a long-term viewpoint. Not one of these vessels possibly will be immediately useful, as they have been lying immobile for three years. Although the machinery has been well looked after it will be many months before they are battleworthy. The old battleship Lorraine has only a limited value. The Exchange Telegraph Agency states that Admiral Godefroy joined the Allies of his own free will after negotiations with General Giraud, concerning which Britain was kept fully informed. —P.A. ALERTS IN MALTA Rugby, May 31. Shortly after midnight on Saturday there were two alerts in Malta. During the second one an enemy plane crossed the coast and dropped a few incendiaries near an airfied but caused no damage. This morning about 18 enemy aircraft approached the island but turned back when 20 miles from the Grand Harbour. —B.O. W. AMERICAN TROOPS IN CYPRUS London, May 31. Berlin radio says a fresh contingent of American troops arrived in Cyprus. —P.A.