FRENCH WARSHIPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25240, 1 June 1943, Page 3

FRENCH WARSHIPS

| SQUADRON AT ALEXANDRIA DECISION TO JOIN ALLIES (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 31. It was announced to-day that the French naval forces at Alexandria had joined the United Nations. The Vichy radio had earlier announced that the French squadron commanded by Admiral Godefroy, which has been immobilised in Alexandria since the armistice in 1940, had gone over to the French forces fighting with the Allies. Quoting the official announcement from Vichy, the Berlin radio said the French Fleet had given in to British and American pressure, and the crews had stated that they were joining the Allies. . Since General Giraud established his headquarters in North Africa unofficial contacts are reported to have been maintained between him and Admiral Godefroy. Four thousand five hundred sailors were repatriated to France when the warships were immobilised and about 1500 remained with the ships. The French warships at Alexandria comprised the 22,000-ton battleship Lorraine, four cruisers, three destroyers, and one submarine. They were partly dismantled in July, 1940. and the breech-blocks were removed from the guns. Repairs are expected to occupy several months.