VICHY REQUEST

Waikato Times, Volume 131, Issue 21836, 17 September 1942, Page 3

VICHY REQUEST

ARMISTICE WANTED MADAGASCAR OPERATIONS ENVOYS TO BRITISH (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 16 Radio messages from Madagascar say the Vichy officials of the island are asking for an armistice. The news first came from the radio at the capital of the island, and 15 minutes later it was confirmed from the British-occupied naval base of Dier o Suarez. The message stated that the Vichy Governor-General said he was sending plenipotentiaries to the British commander asking for the opening of negotiations. Previous messages stated:— The British advance in Madagascar is proceeding with little opposition, though slowly because of the destruction of bridges ordered by the French officials. The population is friendly and most, officials are collaborating with the British forces. The Navy’s part in the successful landings is described in London as notably efficient in view of the unreliable currents and winds around the island. The Navy has done all required of it in a difficult operation. French Force Surrenders An East Africa Headquarters communique states: Despite numerous obstacles our columns continue to make good progress. In the advance on Antananarivo there has so far been little opposition from the French forces but road block imposed some delay. By yesterday, however, our troops were approaching Andriba, well over half-way to the capital. On the north-west coast pressure by our columns moving down from Ambanja, combined with further successful landings from the sea in the Maromanoia area further south, resulted in the surrender of the remaining French forces between these two places. A hint that the Vichy forces in Madagascar might be near the end of their ability to resist was contained in a telegram which the Governer-General sent to Marshal Petain. The Vichy radio says the telegram stated: “Whatever may happen I desire to convey the irrevocable intention of the island to remain united with France.” PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL INDIAN PROBLEMS DISCUSSED STATEMENT BY MR NASH (United rrrss Assn.—Elec. Tel copyright) WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 The whole war outlook was discussed at today’s meeting of the Pacific War Council, with India in the forefront of the discussions because of its bearing on the Pacific situation. The New Zealand Minister to Washington, the Hon. W. Nash, later expressed the opinion that the problem of India's relationship with Britain would be solved. As he saw it, said Mr Nash to reporters, Britain had made an honest offer, saying to the Indians: “You form a Government and we will drop ours when yours is formed, but it is absurd to say that you shall not have a Government in the meantime. However, there is one qualification. For the duration of the waiS'e want to use India to defend the interests of the United Nations.” That, Mr Nash added, was reasonable, and it would provide India with the same status as the other Dominions—with complete sovereignty. Mr Nash said he had nothing new to report regarding Siberia, but. personally, he thought Japan would attack Russia immediately she thought an attack could succeed. GENERAL WAVELL VISIT TO BURMA FRONTIER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 17, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 16 General Wavell paid another flying visit to the forces nearest the Japanese in Burma. Before leaving he told an agency correspondent that no effort is being spared to make the frontiers not only safe but a menace to the Japanese. Correspondents say that our patrols are bringing back valuable information. Contacts with thd enemy are rare but the Japanese garrison at Akyab has had proof of our activity. A New Delhi air communique states: Royal Air Force bombers on Monday bombed targets in Mandalay. Hits were seen on buildings on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, but bad weather prevented observation of the results. Antiaircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned safely. ATTACKS BY BOMBERS FACTORIES AND SHIPPING (’United rress ASiti —Eiec. tpl. copyright; LONDON. Sept. 16 Fighter Command pilots carrying out an offensive sweep over Northern France today circled over the Nazi fighter base at Abbeville for seme minutes without seeing any sign of the Luftwaffe. They patrolled inside the French coast frem Berck to Letreport. As they set their course for home they saw about 30 enemy fighters above them over the coast. They climbed to attack, and in a short sharp engagement several German fighters were damaged. One of our planes is missing. Boston bombers strafed shipping in Cherbourg Harbour yesterday afternoon and others bombed factories inland. Cherbourg was also attacked on Monday. All our planes returned safely.