Dakar' between British and rp units The report of the naval engagement at
cannot but cause the most grievous pain, for there is little that can be so distressing as the knowledge that men who a few weeks vage were devoted comrades in arms are now compelled to fight each other. The necessity of doing so has been brought about by the discovery of another German plot, this time to bring Dakar under-their control; it is clearly for that reason that the three French cruisers and three destroyers were permitted by the German government to be dispatched from Toulon for the African port. 1t is quite obvious that Great Britain cannot tolerate for one moment the establishment of German outposts in French colonial posses-Sions, and Dakar under the Germans, with a by no means unimposing French naval force could have made things particularly inconvenient for the British. With Dakar as a base those French vessels could easily have been used as commerce raiders, probably necessitating the diversion of a substantial portion of the British fleet for some time to run them down.
The destruction of French naval vessels at Oran and the crippling of the Richelieu at Dakar was one of the most painful episodes of the war, The decision to take such action bore heavily upon Mr. Winston Churchill and his Cabinet. But it was imperatively necessary. If confirmation were needed of that view, it is to be found in the fact that the Richelieu is reported to have been in drydock undergoing repairs to the damage done a short while ago. Why, if she were not being prepared for future action? If it was not the intention of Germany, if not the Vichy Government, ultimately to use that battleship what necessity was there for repairing her? The evidence that the Germans were contemplating using Dakar as a base for further action against the British is overwhelming, but the rapid decision of the British Cabinet has again foiled their purpose. That Whitehall moved with due caus tion, is evidenced by the fact that the French naval unit from Toulon was not attacked until it had clearly shown its destination. Butydirectly that was known there could be
the hands of a French Government com-aco of allowing Dakar. to remain in ple subordinate to German demands as ti tly signed armistice $0-clearly shows it to be.
t that o on the formation' of General right to Jüakéjuch of the de army, it was said that it would not be used: against ni A, glance at the e of correspondence between General de' Gaulle and Mr. Churchill concerning the organization, employment and conditions of service pf the French Volunteer Force, does not completely substantiate that statement, for in his letter to Mr. Churchill of August 7, 1940, General de Gaulle expressly states:
*For my part, I confirm to you that the French force now in process of constitution is intended to take part in operations against the common enemies (Germany, Italy or any other hostile. foreign Power), including t defence of French territories and territories under French mandate, and the defence of British territories and communications, and territories under British mandate."
The situation, therefore, is quite clear. General de Gaulle in proceeding to Dakar with his forces, and British. reinforcements is seeking to prevent the port falling under German control,—even though it be through Vichy;—and is consequently acting in defence of French territory against the common enemy.
Sad as this spectacle of old comrades in arms fighting against one another must be, and it is a tragedy that bonds consecrated in the common sacrifice of two great wars should thus be sundered, there is, from the British point of view, satisfaction that the British Government has again demonstrated its readiness to take unpalatable, but nevertheless logical decisions, and strike swiftly. There is only one thing that matters in this war, and that is to win it. Much may yet be done which may hurt the feelings of former friends, but it is necessary that they should remember that the Allies are faced by a ruthless foe, and that it is only by the display of equal ruthlessness that there can be any real hope for the restoration of her liberty to France. Vichy will not be allowed to play the German game, much as the stopping of it must pain all those to love, and esteem the country it is said to rule.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.