LATE NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 24599, 22 November 1941, Page 7

LATE NEWS

BRITISH FORCES SINK EBOATS (Rec. 2.10 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 21. A naval success in Home waters is reported by the Admiralty, which states that in two engagements British forces sank one E-boat, probably sank two and damaged several others. The first engagement was on Wednesday night, when E-boats were damaged. In the second, which took place yesterday morning, British light forces engaged six E-boats and one was certainly sunk. Fighters of the Royal Air Force later attacked the E-boats and sank one and damaged a second.

DISMISSAL OF WEYGAND NEW YORK, November 21. The New York Times says there are excellent reasons for believing that even if General Weygand disappears from the North African scene the United States will hesitate about breaking with Vichy. Before the State Department finally breaks it will want indisputable proof that the French have decided to lend direct military assistance to the Germans. The newspaper says that on the information so far available General Weygand’s dismissal cannot be thus interpreted. The Vichy radio stated that the new Secretary-General for French Africa would be under the direct control of Admiral Darlan. The Vichy radio interrupted a news bulletin to allow General Weygand to broadcast a farewell message to his former subordinates in North Africa in which he said: “Your unity behind the head of the State grows stronger daily, thus consolidating and safeguarding the future. You must remain faithful and loyal.” The Brazzaville radio (Free French) stated that the dismissal of General Weygand marked the Vichy Government’s intention to open North Africa to German troops; also to hand over the fleet. The extent of the German demands might be judged by the pressing problem confronting the Germans in North Africa. NESBITT SELLERS KILLED

LONDON, November 21. Sergeant Pilot Nesbitt Sellers, aged 28, a New Zealander, has been killed on active service. He was formerly on the editorial staff of The Times. He came to London in 1939 and joined The Times, becoming news editor. Referring to Sergeant Pilot Sellers the editor said: “I think he was one of the best discoveries we have made for a long time.” He was also a well-known broadcaster to New Zealand.

ITALIAN TARGETS BOMBED

LONDON, November 21. An Italian communique states that last night Naples, Brindisi and Messina (Sicily) were bombed, as well as Benghazi and Tripoli.