PEOPLE THANKED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 6

PEOPLE THANKED.

COLLABORATION WITH GERMANY MARSHAL PETAIN’S BROADCAST. (Received This Day, 2.10 p.m.) LYONS, October 30. Marshal Petain, broadcasting, said: “My interview with Hitler which has raised hope and caused anxiety, has made possible thanks for the dignity of the French people in face of their ordeal, thanks for their enormous effort toward regeneration, thanks for the heroism of our. sailors and the energy of tho colonial leaders and the loyalty of the native populations.

“France has rallied to this first meeting between victor and vanquished and it signifies France’s first vindication. I have accepted the principles of collaboration between the two countries, but the salvation of France is first of all in our own hands. The first duty of every Frenchman is to trust. I remind those doubting, those hardening hearts, that the most praiseworthy reserve and pride, if persisted to an excess, is in danger of losing its effectiveness. He who takes chai’ge of France’s destiny has as his duty the creating of tho most favourable atmosphere to safeguard his country’s interest. “I entered the road of collaboration with honour in order to maintain French unity within the frameworx of a new European order. I met Hitler of my own free will, was not under dictation or pressure from him and discussed the collaboration method. Its application will bo announced later. Collaboration must bo sincere and although aggression must ho excluded France has numerous obligations to her victor, France’s sovereignty imposes ah obligation to defend her soil. Follow me and keep in trust eternal France.”