LATE NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25069, 10 November 1942, Page 4

LATE NEWS

A NAVAL BATTLE VICHY RADIO REPORT CRec. 1.45 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 9. Since the signing of the armistice at Algiers, Vichy, has put out an official version of the operations in North Africa, stating that a naval battle took place off Casablanca, in which the French naval units suffered severe losses. Correspondents with the Allied forces state that no attempt has been made to employ the larger units of the French fleet, and there has been no sign of Axis air intervention. It has been officially announced that American troops have been landed at Safi, 130 miles south of Casablanca, and at two other places further south. Troops have also been landed' north and south of Oran, which is notv almost surrounded. No announcement has been made in London in regard to the Vichy reports of a naval engagement ■ off Casablanca. A Vichy radio report states that the whereabouts of Admiral Darlan and General Juin is uncertain. A message was received from Darlan giving what he described as probably his last report. He iis reported to have been in Algiers when; the city capitulated, and Berlin believes that he may be a prisoner. • ' . - A military spokesman in London said that no reports of casualties had been received, but it was believed that they, would be - light. " SURPRISE FOR GERMANS EXPECTED ATTACK OPi DAKAR (Rep. 1.45 a.m;) ; LONDON,; Nov, 9. According to semi-official dries in Berlin; the American attack' in North Africa completely surprised the Geri mans, says 1 the Stockholm correspondent Of the 'New York Times., The Germans had been expecting United States action'for some time, but against Dakar and the west boast of Africa generally. Signor Ansaldo, on the Rome radio, criticised the attitude of the) Vichy French in North Africa. He threatened repercussions on the relations between the Axis and Vichy if effective resistance was, not maintained.