Consequently, French quarters here predicted that' the British cruisers how blockading Martinique might soon enter the harbour where the ships carrying the American planes have sought refuge.
Unconfirmed reports said the French aircraft carrier Bearn was at Martinique with 100 American planes aboard in addition to her regular forty planes. The Bearn was reported to have sailed from a Canadian port on June 17 with 100 American planes aboard. She was believed to Huve sought refuge at Martinique when the Franco-German armistice was signed.
French land forces in all French overseas territories have been ordered the Petain Government to fire on any British warships coming within 42% miles of French territory. If the British cruisers attempt to. seize French ships at Martinique, it was believed, shore batteries "might be dered into action against them.
French quarters here speculated whether Britain would invade Martinique and overthrow the local French administration, which is supporting the Petain regime, Unless Martinique is Kept under "constant blockade, it was pointed out, it might serve asa valuable base for German submarine raids against vital Brit shipping Ianes between the United States and England—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.