DAKAR ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 9

DAKAR ACTION

VERSION FROM VICHY

GENERAL DE GAULLE'S EXPEDITION PREVENTING GERMAN CONTROL FULL SUPPORT BY BRITISH NAVY ( By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Sept. 24 Reports from Dakar,, chief port and capital of the French West African colony of Senegal, indicate that fighting has taken place between a British naval squadron and French warships in the t port, which include the battleship Richelieu—which was disabled there by a British force on July 10, but apparently still able to use some of her heavy guns the cruisers Montcalm, Gloire and Georges Leygues and the destroyers L'Audacieux, Le JVlalin and Le Fantasque, which arrived there from Toulon about jO days ago. The British squadron is supporting a Free French force under command of General de Gaulle, which was sent from England to forestall an attempt by the Germans to make use of Dakar as a war base. ' f Clear Evidence of Gentian Plans I The British Ministry of Information stated last evening: "Recent reports show that the Germans have been making persistent efforts to bring Dakar under their control, and the movements of French ships from Toulon to Dakar, which clearly could not have been effected without German permission, gave further evidence of the attempt which is in contemplation. "In view of the fact that a considerable element of the population was opposed to the Vichy Government's policy of subservience to Berlin, and had declared in favour of a Free France, General c}e Gaulle decided to proceed with a Free French force to Dakar to assist those elements which supported his cause.

"He arrived ,off Dakar this morning and summoned his followers to rally to the flag of Free France. Resistance seems to have been encountered, but the situation is not yet fully clear. General de Free French force was accompanied by a British force which will lend him full support." > It is stated from Vichy that on the arrival of the British force with General de Gaulle, the Dakar authorities were presented with an ultimatum. This was refused, whereupon the warships opened fire. ... French at Dakar Fire on de Gaulle A communique issued in London this morning by the headquarters of General de Gaulle states that their leader called at Dakar on numerous Frenchmen anxious to continue to fight. With French soldiers and sailors he went in before the fortress, but Frenchmen on shore were ordered to open fire on them. General de Gaulle and his followers were in a motor-launch and were without weapons. .Two men in the launch were seriously wounded. Later, General de Gaulle attempted to make a landing peacefully, but those on shore fired upon three of the five ships. Several were killed or wounded on the ships. General de Gaulle then withdrew, saying ,that he did not want to be a party to fighting between Frenchmen. The Ministry of Information states that there is no truth in the report from Vichy that a British landing was attempted near Dakar.—

POWERFUL BRITISH SQUADRON FRENCH WARSHIPS REPLYING ."STRONG MILITARY ACTION ORDERED" ". . , , (Received September 24, 8.30 p.m.) VICHY, Sept. 24 The latest reports indicate that the British squadron at Dakar Consists of two battleships, four cruisers, an aircraft-carrier, six auxiliary cruisers,;, four transports and a number of destroyers. The British ships are reported to have shelled the European quarter, where there are 3000 inhabitants, as well as the native mud-hut city behind the double breakwater, and also the radio station, the Governor-General's house, the aerodrome at Wakam, 10' miles north-east of Dakar, at which a powerful air force is concentrated, and also an important railway junction outside the city. The British ships attacked from the south, coming from Bathurst. They left Gibraltar 10 days ago when it was learned that six French " warships were going to Dakar. The British Vessels remained at Bathurst, but intervened for the first time several days ago, when three of the French warships attempted to go to Libreville from Dakar.

1-r At least 60 persons have so far been killed and 60 injured in the bombardment of Dakar. It is reported that the six French Warships which recently arrived from Toulon, and also the battleship Richelieu, are returning the British fire. Reports reaching Vichy are scanty because the Dakar radio Nation has been ' damaged.

The met at Vichy immediately the news was received, and decided to "reply to force with force." The Vichy radio announced that the shelling began after the GovernorGeneral, M. Boisson. rejected an ultimatum from General de Gaulle, who is on board the British flagship. It was officially stated later that the attack on Dakar was Worse than that at Oran. There was no danger of Dakar becoming German and being used against England. The French Government was determined to defend its colonies against all attacks, a nd had ordered the strongest possible military action against* the British fleet in order to preserve Senegal and Dakar as an open town.

" There are po important land defences, and thus it is difficult to reply to the guns of the British fleet, whose shells are falling in the town and the port, from which the natives are fleets, concluded the statement.

The Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, read a statement to the Press as follows:—"Those Frenchmen who hesitate to consider General de Gaulle a traitor have had their eyes opened. Britain's action is not a casus belli, and France will not declare war against England. Although wounded, she is still capable of defending herself and replying blow for blow."