VIRTUAL STATE OF WAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23316, 27 September 1945, Page 5

VIRTUAL STATE OF WAR

Saigon Uprising British Forces In Action Bv Telegraph —N Z Pres> As«r» -('np"’’i?!i (7.30 p.m.) SAIGON, Sep'. 25. At least 100 persons were reported killed or wounded in disturbances in Saigon, according to the C.B.S. correspondent. Armed Japanese troops are fighting alongside the British and French in an effort to establish order. The Annamites, who are resisting the return of French status quo, claim that they are fighting a legitimate war of independence. Armed bahds, thousands of them irregulars, are now moving toward Saigon. The British say they have insufficient troops in Indo-China to maintain law and order, and consequently are using some 2000 released French prisoners of war and are calling on 5000 Japanese stationed in the Saigon area. Major-General Gracey announced that 600 additional troops have arrived by air and have begun a house-to-house search lor weapons. British mortars and heavy machine-guns were turned on Annamite forces in an attempt to quell an uprising in Saigon, reports the correspondent of the Associated Press. A virtual state of war has existed since a native fatally shot a French soldier, and a French civilian was stabbed to death outside a bank. The number killed during the French eviction of Annamites from the municipal buildings is now reported to be eight. Half a dozen Frenchmen are missing. and are feared dead. The French imposed a 72-hour curfew, and most stores have been closed since the major outbreak yesterday, when Annamites seized the market place and shut off the city's power. The British put troops to work on the power plant and hoped to restore electricity and the water system by nightfall to-day. Rioting broke out in Bangkok today after a brief lull. A number were injured when a grenade was thrown on to a crowded railway platform. The police arrested more than 100 persons. Armed military police are patrolling the streets, and armoured cars and gun carriers are posted at strategic points. Admiral Dargenlieu, the French High Commissioner in Indo-China. said that France would give a new political status to the people. All would have access to administrative ports without distinction. He appealed to the public to forget past bitterness and disappointments. More Troops Arrive (12.20 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 26. A virtual state of siege exists in Saigon, says the Saigon correspondent of the Associated Press. British troops used mortars and machine-guns. Six hundred additional British and Indian troops arrived by air and started clearing the main road for the entry of foodstuffs to relieve the threatened shortage. Americans are guarding the hotel where French civilians are taking refuge.