BELGIANS GO ON FIGHTING

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 5

BELGIANS GO ON FIGHTING

Minister Of State In London LIBERATION OF FATHERLAND (British Official Wireless) (Received June 24, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, June 23.

The Belgian Minister of State, M. Jaspar, broadcasting from London, said reports that the Belgian Government exiled in Portugal had now decided to cease fighting were quite untrue. “On the contrary, the war for the liberation of our fatherland continues and will continue until victor} 1, has been attained,” said M. Jaspar. “I have come to England to ensure this end. I am waiting here for those of my colleagues who will try, as I believe successfully, to join me.” “Soldiers destroy your arms and munitions, for you must leave nothing in the enemy’s hands,” concluded M. Jaspar. “Let him have nothing which he might use against, those for whose aid we ourselves appealed. Sailors, leave French ports and make your way to those of the British Empire. Do not abandon the fleet to the enemy. Do not add to the defeat and disgrace of reason. Those Belgians who are in France, I ask you to stand by our French friends in the dark days through which their country is passing. France cannot perish, nor can she be enslaved. The French Empire is still there and is at our side. This is time for deeds, not lamentation. Death, rather than slavery. God will protect Belgium and her Allies" M. Jaspar said that it was no time for tears, but for action. “Officers and soldiers, come and join me to fight by Britain’s side,” he said. “The war for liberation continues and will continue until victory _ is ours.” He appealed to Belgian merchantmen to leave French ports

for British ports. The latest arrivals in Portugal include the former King Alfonso of Spain, M. Paul Spaak, the former Belgian Foreign Minister, and Dr Paul van Zeeland, former Belgian Minister in Washington, who returned to Belgium to enlist.

FUTURE OF FRENCH FLEET

PART MAY BE IN BRITISH PORTS

WASHINGTON, June 23.

The British Ambassador, the Marquess of Lothian, declared that he had not been informed officially of the whereabouts and the status of the French fleet, but reliable British sources “would not be surprised” if at least part of it was in British ports. Americans discuss the problem of servicing the French Navy, whose machine-shops are largely in enemy hands. There is no confirmation from officials, although the United States is reported to have been advised of British acquisition. It is added that the Jean Bart, which is ready for commissioning, was towed to England.

CONFIDENCE FELT BY MR MENZIES

(Received June 24, 11.30 p.m.) ■ SYDNEY, June 24.

A commentary issued today on the German armistice terms by the Federal Department of Information declared that it was difficult to imagine anything more humiliating. The Prime Minister (Mr R. G. Menzies) said that the extent of the armistice consequences could not be judged until the fate of the French fleet was known. He could not imagine that the armistice meant the end of French resistance everywhere. If so, then the British Empire would be left to fight alone, in which event the Empire would fight on tenaciously and eventually win.