IN BRITISH HANDS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21156, 4 July 1940, Page 8

IN BRITISH HANDS

Position Of French Fleet SEIZED BY ROYAL NAVY MOSTLY IN BRITISH PORTS ACTION AGAINST REMAINING SHIPS ■At, The majority of the French Fleet is now in British hands. This announcement was made at 3.30 this afternoon from Daventry by the Minister of Information, Mr A. Duff Cooper who said that action had been taken in the early hours of July 3. He stated that although the French 'Li agreed to accept Germany’s and Italy’s word that the French fleet would not be used against Britain, Britain had lost faith in the word of the Axis powers and had taken necessary action to protect itself. AH available French men-ofwar had been escorted into British ports and this action had been completed with only two casualties. Other units of the French fleet in Africn harbours were offered terms whereby they could protect their Empire but which would prevent any of the vessels falling into German or Italian hands. These terms had not been accepted and the Minister said that Britain deeply regretted that it had to take the necessary steps to prevent these ships falling into enemy hands. This action was still continuing but it was hoped that the Prime Minister could make a full statement in the House tomorrow.