LAST WORD HAS NOT BEEN SAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1940, Page 7

LAST WORD HAS NOT BEEN SAID.

DEFEAT NOT FINAL

French General's Hope For

The Future. MISTAKES,, OP THE PAST. British Official Wireless. (Received 2 p.m.) RUGBY, June 18. General de Gaulle, who was Chef du Cabinet Militaire in M. Reynaud's Government, * broadcasting to-night, said: "Generals who for many years have commanded the French armies have formed a Government. Ihat Government, alleging that our armies have been defeated, opened negotiations with the enemy to put au end to the lighting.

"We certainly have been and still are submerged by the mechanical strength of the enemy, both on land and iu the air. Tanks, aeroplanes and tactics of the Germans astounded our generals to such an extent that they have been brought to the pass they are in to-day. But has the last word been said? Has all hope disappeared? Is the defeat final ?

"Believe me, I speak with knowledge and tell you that France is not lost, for France is not alone. She has a vast empire behind her. She ran unite with the British Empire, which holds the seas and is continuing the struggle. She can utilise to the full, as Britain is doing, vast industrial resources of the United States.

"This war is not limited to the unhappy territory of our country. This war has not been decided by the battle of France. This war is a world war.

"In spite of all our mistakes, deficiencies and sufferings, there are iu the universe sufficient means to enable us one day to crush our enemies. Shattered to-day by mechanical force, we shall be able to conquer in the future by a stronger mechanical force. The fate of the world depends on it.

"Whatever happens, the flame of French resistance must not and shall not be extinguished."