France Sues For Peace PETAIN ACTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 143, 18 June 1940, Page 7

France Sues For Peace PETAIN ACTS

Plight Of Refugees Driven From Homes ARMY'S DUTY DONE (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON. June 1 7.

Broadcasting to the French nation, the new Prime Minister, Marshal Petain. said: French men and women, at the appeal of the President I have assumed from to-day the direction of the Government, sure of the affection of our admirable army, which has been fighting with heroism worthy ©f its noble military traditions against an enemy superior in numbers and arms, and certain that by its magnificent resistance it has fulfilled our duty to our Allies. Certain of the support of ex-servicemen whom I am proud to have commanded, and sure of the confidence of the entire nation, I give myself to France in order to mitigate its misfortunes. "I have given myself to France to better her situation in this grave hour. I think of the unfortunate refugees, the men and women on the roads who have been driven away from their homes by the misfortunes of war. 1 express to them my sincerest sympathy and love. "I addressed myself last night to the enemy to ask if he is prepared to seek with me, as between soldiers after the fight, and with honour, a means of putting an end to hostilities. May all French people rally round the Government over which 1 preside in these hours of hard trial, and may they keep their anguish to themselves and obey nothing but their faith in the destiny of their country." French Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, in a broadcast, said: We are ready to lay down arms if we can get an honourable peace, but we will never be ready to accept shameful conditions meaning the end of the spiritual freedom of our people. He praised Britain s aid to France. The French radio gave out a night communique, including the statement that the batde to-day continued along the whole front, particularly along the middle Loire. Marshal Petain later announced that France had made contact with Germany through Spain. In his speech he spoke he fimshTcT emoti ° n - A band pla y ed Marseillaise" after