LATE NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24328, 19 June 1940, Page 8

LATE NEWS

BRITAIN’S RESOLVE MORE DETERMINED THAN EVER (By Radio). DAVENTRY, June 18. When Mr Churchill speaks in the House of Commons to-day he is expected to affirm more clearly than ever Britain’s determination to fight on. He may also be in a position to give France’s reply to the proposal for Franco-British union. There are many indications, not only in Britain but from many parts of the Empire, that the difficulties of the hour have strengthened the resolve of the Homeland and the dominions to devpte themselves more earnestly than ever to the task of maintaining the rights of free men everywhere. THE DICTATORS MEETING AT MUNICH LONDON, June 18. (Received June 18, at 11.50 p.m.) The Munich radio announced that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini will meet in Munich to-day. ! It was officially announced at Rome that Marshal von Mackensen accompanied Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano. PEACE TERMS DICTATORS IN NO HURRY (By Radio) DAVENTRY, June 18. Herr Hitler arrived at Munich at noon to-day to meet Signor Mussolini for a discussion of the peace terms 1 which will be offered to France. The German radio has indicated that the two dictators will not hurry over the preparation of the terms, and recalls the “ humiliating procedure” to which the German representatives were subjected in 1918. Meanwhile, it is clear that France will not accept dishonourable terms, and that her troops are still fighting strongly. Nevertheless, military circles in London state that the German advance is continuing strongly towards the south-east in the direction of the Franco-Italian frontier. PLANES FROM AMERICA TO BE FLOWN ACROSS ATLANTIC (By Radio) DAVENTRY, June 18. An important change in the United States neutrality law now makes it possible for planes to be flown direct from America to Britain. FRANCE’S DESTINY “ VOLUNTARILY CHOSEN ” ROME, June 18. (Received June 19, at 2 a.m.) The Berlin correspondent of the Stefani News Agency says Marshal Petain’s request was for information; it was not surrender; therefore the military operations will be continued. France voluntarily chose her destiny when, at Britain’s orders, she took up arms against the German Reich’s vital interests.

THE FRENCH POLICY SACRIFICES WITH HONOUR BORDEAUX, June 18. (Received June 19, at 2 a.m.) The Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, broadcasting, said: “We were all insufficiently prepared for this war and its new methods. The French Army fought with great discipline and resolve but was pitted against an enemy superior in arms and men. The British Army and their most powerful navy and air force worked magnificently, but our Allies were unable to give the aid which the French Army, as the vanguard, needed. We will make sacrifices, but if it is a choice between existence and honour our choice is made.” SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE TURKEY LOYAL TO ALLIES 3 (By Radio) DAVENTRY, June 18. • It is learned from Ankara that a leading deputy told the Turkish Parliament that Turkey would remain faithful to her allies. He added that, in view of the present situation, Turkey and the Allies had decided against an immediate declaration of war, as it was not desired td do anything that might extend the scope of hostilities to the Balkans. An announcement made in London to-night said that Egypt was fulfilling the terms of her alliance with Britain, There *is intense diplomatic activity in Rumania, and King Carol has called a meeting of his Cabinet for to-day. EXTENSIVE AIR RAIDS ENEMY DESTROYER HIT i (By Radio) DAVENTRY, June 18. It is officially announced in London that machines of the Royal Air Force have heavily bombed militai'y objectives in the course of an extensive raid over the Rhineland, the Ruhr, and North-western Germany. This morning a. bomber engaged on reconnaissance duty sighted a number of Gerraan destroyers anchored near the Friesian Islands. A direct hit was scored amidships on one of the destroyers, and smoke was pouring from the vessel as the bomber headed for home. BRITISH TROOPS IN LIBYA HUNDREDS OF PRISONERS TAKEN CAIRO, June 18. (Received June 18, at 11.50 p.m.) It is authoritatively stated that British troops, operating in Libya, took over 600 prisoners, including 200 Italians. They also took 12 tanks and 7 field guns. Repeated R.A.F. raids on Italian bases destroyed nearly 100 enemy planes, i