The Waikato Times FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1940 FLEET SAVED FROM ENEMY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21157, 5 July 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1940 FLEET SAVED FROM ENEMY

After many days of anxious waiting the sudden news of Britain’s action to save the French fleet from falling into the hands of the enemy has caused a thrill of excitement throughout the Empire. It was a desperate adventure which had been delayed as long as possible in the hope that the French Navy would voluntarily throw in its lot with Britain. Britain attacked the problem with a heavy heart but with the certain knowledge that it was left no reasonable alternative. Britain simply could not afford to allow that powerful fleet to be placed at the disposal of the enemy. Information suggests that the greater part of the fleet was willing enough to fall in with the British conditions, and it is extremely regrettable that drastic action had to be taken against that part of the fleet which was in French North African ports. Admittedly the French Navy was placed in an extraordinarily difficult position. Jt had been ordered by its own Government to surrender itself at French ports and submit to demobilisation at the dictation of Germany and Italy. On the other hand was the Navy’s loyalty to the Allied cause and the indignity of surrender. The latter considerations have apparently swayed the issue with most of the ships, and it is tragic that all could not have agreed. It must have been apparent, even to the Frenchmen, that Britain had no alternative but to ensure that Germany and Italy did not gain control of the ships. It is true that both enemy countries had entered into a solemn undertaking not to use the French fleet against the Allies, but how could Britain accept that assurance ? It would have been ridiculous to expect it. Both Germany and Italy have violated every promise they have ever made. It is beyond doubt that if the French fleet were placed in their hands they would make the best use of it against Britain. The promise was a mere sop to the French and an inducement to surrender. Now that great fleet, or a large part of it, will continue in the. service of the Allied cause and may eventually be a powerful factor in freeing Frenchmen themselves from the tyranny of Germany and Italy. Certainly the people throughout the British Empire will watch the developments of the next few days with exceptional interest

In view of the alternatives offered, of the strength of the British Fleet, and of Britain’s obvious determination not to be thwarted, the French substituted admirals acted with extraordinary rashness and, apparently, with not a little courage. According to one correspondent the Frenchmen were in deadly fear that if they did not surrender the families of French naval men would be subjected to the horrors of German torture. In any case the deed has been done. The French Fleet, unfortunately, has apparently suffered heavy losses, but it no longer has the power to decide its own future. What the effect will bn on Franco-British relations remains to be seen, but it is probable that all free Frenchmen will understand and not hold Britain to blame for an action that was forced upon her.