FRENCH LEADERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 162, 10 July 1943, Page 5

FRENCH LEADERS

SUPPORT PLEDGED

Giraud Stresses Necessity For Unity N.Z.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. 1 p.m. NEW YORK, July 9. Asked at his Press conference if the United States would recognise the French Committee of National Liberation, President Roosevelt pointed out that 95 per cent of French people were still under the heel of the Germans in France, states a Washington message. Regarding the Giraud conferences, the President said he and General Giraud had talked over various military problems. The message adds that General Giraud held a Press conference, at which he said: "I and General de Gaulle have established as our sole aim the defeat of the Axis forces, the liberation of France and a return to a political structure in conformity with the national aspirations of our country." He added: "I can give you the following pledge: 'France will be at your side to liberate the Pacific from Japanese domination, just as she will remain with you to build a peace that will not only be lasting and just but also realistic'" He emphasised the necessity for French unity. "Studied Campaign" General Giraud's visit to the United States has coincided with what appears to be a studied campaign to bring General de Gaulle into disrepute with the American people. It is no secret that since the beginning of the North African campaign the American State Department has given its support to General Giraud, but previously this support had not been stated in so many words. The latest attempts to "smear" General de Gaulle, however, leave no doubt where the State Department's sympathy and support lie. Simultaneously with General Giraud's arrival a report came from Washington of a secret document purporting to show that General de Gaulle was more interested in his own ambitions than the United Nations cause. This report was attributed to "responsible quarters," which the New York Herald-Tribune says cannot be far from the State Department. "The British Embassy went all-out in its political somersaults from General de Gaulle to General Giraud by conferring the Order of the Bath on General Bethouart, head of General Giraud's military mission," says the New York Daily News. "Not to be outdone, American officialdom produces information about a secret document which tosses General de Gaulle lock, stock and barrel out of the official family of so-called United Nations."

Washington Chidccl The most outspoken comment on these developments is made by the Herald-Tribune in a leading article headed "Diplomacy by Insult." It says: "Apparently the official Washington idea of a tactful way in whicn to welcome General Giraud, co-pre-sident of the French Committee of National Liberation, is to put out as he arrives an anonymous barrage of detraction against the other co-presi-dent, General de Gaulle, and by obvivous inference against the rest of the committee itself. If the intention was to strengthen General Giraud's hand, the actual effect is to put him in a totally false position and to undermine the Committee which gives him official standing and contemptuously reduce him to the stature of an American puppet. Fighting French organisation In Washington to-day denied the allegation that de Gaulle agents were required to swear personal allegiance to General de Gaulle as sole leader. The Canadian Prime Minister. Mr. Mackenzie King, announced that General Giraud was visiting Canada within the next 10 days, states an agency message forwarded by British Official Wireless.

MARTINIQUE OFFICIAL

EARLY ARRIVAL SOUGHT Rec. 11 a.m. WASHINGTON, July 9. Martinique radio says the High Commissariat has issued a communique as follows: "Admiral Robert has been notified of the appointment of M. Henri Hoppenot as High Commissioner and has requested that he come as soon as possible to assume immediate control of the Government." ... The United Press says this is viewed as an encouraging development in the confused Martinique situation, M. Hoppenot, who was appointed by the French Committee of National Liberation, is still in Washington.

OIL MAGNATE'S DEATH POLICE SUSPECT VIOLENCE Rec. 1.30 p.m. NEW YORK, July 9A message from Nassau in the Bahamas, states that after formal evidence, the inquest into the death of Sir Harry Oakes, one of the wealthiest men in the world, oil magnate and philanthropist, who was found dead on Wednesday, was adjourned until Tuesday. The police said they were hopeful of clearing up the mystery. The United Press correspondent says the authorities admitted that Sir Harry died a violent death, but refused to say whether he was murdered pending further investigations.

[Such of the cable news on this page as Is so designated has appeared in The Times and is sent to this paper by special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of The Tijnes unless stated to be 50.3