LOOMING LARGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 62, 14 March 1942, Page 5

LOOMING LARGE

MADAGASCAR POSITION FIRM STAND WANTED INFLUENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) ( (Recd. 11.5 p.m.) Durban, March 12. Madagascar is looming largji in South African politics, says the Daily Mail’s local correspondent. Much depends on a firm stand by the Allies, because if the Japanese beat us to Madagascar it will do our cause in South Africa untold harm. Oppositionite members, declaring that things have gone badly, have become squealers, expressing concern lest any move by South Africa, in conjunction with Britain and America, ‘ will cast the Japanese into an onL slaught against South Africa. These ; Opposition members are much more concerned with their anti-British feeling than the dangers threatening 1 their country. Dr. Malan recently declared: “We do not want to comJ mil . ggression. If South Africa is ■ to become the base for warring Allied ; nations it will become a battle- ’ ground.” South Africa is far from ! a united country and the political - outlook is not bright, but realisation 1 of the dangers ahead must eventually 1 penetrate even the Opposition mem- ■ bers’ biassed heads. FUTURE OF MADAGASCAR CONFLICTING NEWS London, March 12. The Moscow radio declared the Vichy Government has ceded Madagascar to the Axis, adding that Ger- , man technicians and engineers have already taken over the port installations and airfields. The Rome radio reported that a mixed British and American expeditionary force is en route to occupy Madagascar. In Washington, Mr. Sumner Welles, said reports that Vichy might agree to accept Japanese aid in Madagascar were diametrically opposed to the assurances recently received from the Vichy Government.