[On 22 September the U.K. Govt informed the Commonwealth Govt that
because of the strategic importance of French West Africa and the
desirability of establishing General de Gaulle, leader of the Free
French movement, in French territory, it had decided to send a
combined British and Free French force (including the cruiser
H.M.A.S. Australia) to capture Dakar. It was believed that the
operation could be carried out without a serious clash with the
Vichy French forces then occupying the base. See cablegram Z251 on
file AA:A 1608, F41/1/7.]

Following is for the information of the Prime Minister [1]-
BEGINS-
On the evening of the 24th September, report was received from our
Commanders before Dakar that despite close range bombardment, fire
of French warships had not been neutralized and morale of French
garrison was high. Fog had interfered considerably with
operations. Later report stated that Free French marines had
landed at Rufisque but had subsequently been withdrawn. Commanders
intended to continue bombardment on the morning of the 25th
September, but in view of continued strong resistance of French
garrison, and failure to silence the forts and neutralize fire of
French warships it was decided that a landing in face of such
determined opposition should not be attempted. During the late
afternoon orders were accordingly given for operation to be
discontinued, and our forces are withdrawing. ENDS