Evening star., 1942-05-07
MadagascarNava| Base Captured
By British Land and Sea Forces;
Allied Flyers Blast Jap Warships
Terms Are Drafted
For Squadron to
Enter Horbor
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
LONDON, May 7.-Strong Brit
ish land and naval forces have
captured the Diego Suarez naval
base and surrounding territory
on the strategic north tip of the
French island of Madagascar at
a cost of something more than
1000 men, it was announced to-
day.
Occupation of that key point on
the Indian Ocean supply routes, to
prevent its falling into Axis hands,
was accomplished 48 hours after
British Commands, marines and
soldiers landed at dawn Tuesday,
but only after one assault had been
thrown back Wednesday morning
by hard-fighting colonial troops
and seamen loyal to the Vichy
French regime.
"a Vichy announcement that
Diego Suarez still was holding
out at 1870 pm, Vichy time
G:30 am, E. w. IT,, was issued
today. 1t was insisted that this
was based on the latest informa-
ton from Madagascar and was
issued lin answer to a report"
presumably the British an
nouncement, that the naval base
had surrendered. 1t said there
were no details beyond the state
ment that fighting was CON.
tinuing).
Prime Minister Churchill, report
Ing the action to the House of Com
mons, declared the coup had been
planned for three monthssand that
'in order to prevent bloodshed so
far as possible, very strong forces
of all arms were employed"
The French said the British force
included % warships. Of which 5
were of heavy tonnage-signifying
battleships or large cruisers.
Terms Being Drafted.
The War Once, the Admiralty, the
Churchill contributed to details Of
the quick contest, which began with
a landing on the northwest side of
the island at Courier Bay and pro-
gressed eastward to the successive
capture of the village of Diego.
the chief town. Antsirana, and the
Diego Suarez naval base, which lies
deep in the bay southwest OF Ant
sirana. rf.
Surrender terms are being drafted
and the British naval squadron will
enter the main harbor this after
noon as soon as mines have been
swept up, Mr.. Churchill stated.
1t was uncertain whether the sur
render in the Diego Suarez area
meant the end of all resistance, but
Informed sources expressed belief
that the bulk of the fully equipped
and trained Vichy troops on NADIA
gascar had been engaged in the de-
fense of Diego Suarez and therefore
few would be left to fight elsewhere.
French coastal batteries on Oran-
jia Peninsula, which juts upward
from the south to command ap-
are now being attacked by the Brit
ish from the rear, British sources
here believe.
Landing Farther South.
It was disclosed that, in addition
TO the major landings at Courier
Bay, other forces went ashore at
Ambararata Bay to the south.
Diplomatic circles here were
watching Vichy closely for retalia-
tory action by Pierre Lavals gov
ernment.
Free French said this might take
the form of some naval aid to the
Axis. probably the ALLEGATION of
French cruisers and destroyers tc
the German fleet.
Informed British diplomatic
sources expressed doubt whether
the French feet would fight with
or for the Germans.
Prime Minister Churchill praised
the gallantry of the French and ex-
pressed regret that blood had been
shed.
we trust the French nation will
In time come to regard this episode
as a recognizable step in the liber-
alton Of their country including
Alsace-Lorraine, from the German
yoke" Mr.. Churchill declared.
Text of Statement.
Mr.. Churchills statement follows
In order to prevent bloodshed a.
far as possible. very strong force,
OF all arms were employed and prep
arations were made over the las
three months.
Landings were. as already made
public, successfully accomplished
and by Tuesday evening our troop!
were in contact with French force.
in and before Diego Saurez and be.
(See MADAGASCAR, Page A-4J