FRENCH NAVY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23719, 27 July 1940, Page 11

FRENCH NAVY

ATTITUDE TO BRITAIN OFFICERS IN MOROCCO r SITUATION UNCERTAIN(Received July 26, 5.35 p.m.) ' LONDON, July 26 The situation at Casablanca, Morocco, is uncertain, states the correspondent of the Times. The port is carefully guarded. The French naval authorities are hostile to the British. Vice-Admiral Ollive, commanding fleet, is very antiBritish. Rear-Admiral Sablet, who commanded the naval establishments in Morocco, is pro-British but he "fras removed just before the armistice, making way for Rear-Admiral D'Harcourt, who is anti-British. The discipline o"f the French naval Ratings is deteriorating, says the correspondent. ' From 12 to 20 British ships are believed to be detained in Moroccan Ports, where their crews arc interned W under arrest. The junior ranks of the Air Force generally are favourable to Britain, tut the attitude of the higher ranks is Uncertain. The order to bomb Gibraltar was most unpopular, and was deliberately carried out in an inefficient manner. Ibe native situation in Morocco is disturbed. The Moroccans object to their transfer from one Power to anotjier like cattle. The nationalist SPlnt is increasing, but the natives lave no arms. i : WAR MINISTER'S TOUR North Ireland defences (Received July 26, 5.35 p.m.) -•British "Wireless LONDON, July 25 The Minister, of War, Mr. Anthony ® n i. spent yesterday and to-day on •Extensive visits to troops and defences - rtherrj Ireland. He also saw the orernor of Northern • Ireland, the Use of Abercorn, and the Prime MinViscount Craigavon.