FRANCE OBSERVES DAY OF MOURNING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 150, 26 June 1940, Page 7

FRANCE OBSERVES DAY OF MOURNING.

SOLEMN HOMAGE. Heroism Of Soldiers First In Country's Memories. "SAD, "WOUNDED FATHERLAND." (Recclvea iO a.m.) BORDEAUX, June 25. "To-day, Armistice Day, is a national clay of mourning:, with dignity, in houinge of our soldiers, who fought so heroically," said M. Charles Pomaret, Minister of the Interior, broadcasting to the nation. "France must be silent and must allow her heart to weep in order to strengthen herself with hope," he added. He instructed all cafes, cinemas and theatres to close to-day'; also all shops, except those needed to supply food. AH flags on public buildings were at half-mast. A memorial service for the dead was held. At 11 a.m., one minute s silence was observed at memorials to the glorious dead of 1914-18, and those none the less glorious of 1939-40.

M. Pomaret saict Marshal Petain hadmade a gift of himself to France. Around him tho constitutional Government, resolute and worthy, would devote itself to the welfare of the country, which would continue to live, with its soul uplifted and free. No music' was permitted throughout the day except "La Marseillaise." Marshal Petain and other Government members would attend a solemn service in the Bordeaux Cathedral. "To-morrow a new life will begin for France," said 11. Pomaret. "Every man, soldier or civilian, will resume work. Tho essential care of the Government is to assure work for everyone—therefore, bread. We are turning a dark page in our history. We are looking towards a new destiny. Our sad and wounded Fatherland is going to put its affairs in order." A statement troni Bordeaux on behalf of the Petain Government claims that SI. Mandel, former Minister of the Interior, was partly to blame for "the present British failure" to understand the armistice. It is alleged that M. Mandel tried to make Britain insist that France should continue the war at all costs. "We regret that certain members of the British Government should criticise us unjustly," says the statement. "We wish our English friends would respect our sadness and examine their own conscience. • "While France kept men aged 4S fighting, Britain had not mobilised men of 2S. The French Press delegation which went to Britain last March found the English unruffled and conducting their traditional form of warfare." The French Fleet flew flags at halfmast to-day for the armistice, states a message from Alexandria,