LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23798, 18 November 1942, Page 3

LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA

ADMIRAL DARLAN’S POSITION SURPRISE IN LONDON (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 16. Surprise has teen caused in London by the announcement from Algiers that Admiral Darlan is to head the French North African Government. “Admiral Danan’s position in North Africa in relation to the Allies is causing some perplexity,” says the special London correspondent of the New Zea- 1 • land Press Association. “Officially there is a disinclination to discuss Admiral Darlan or the political implications oi the new situation ” The diplomatu correspondent of “The Times” states that light might be thrown on the situation by a fuller explanation from Washington or by Lieutenant-General Eisenhower. "As a matter of plain reporting it must be said that few people at present like granting status to a man who has often publicly proclaimed the need to collaborate with the enemies of Britain, America, and France itself,” states the correspondent. “No doubt his status is only (empnraLy, for if it were anything more car ; would have to be taken lost bewilderment should grow in France (where Admiral Darlan, for a long period, has been the second most disliked man) a.ici other occupied countries. Temporaly status might have its uses in expediting a broad armistice which all tne Allies desire, leading to establishing solid authority.” The diplomatic correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian" comments; “The United States practice to France has been different from Britain’s though both a,m to restore France. America recognised French authority where it existed, both Vichy and the Fighting French, whereas Britain had no relations with Vichy, but recognised General dt Gaulle and the Fighting French. Tee Americans may be considering helping to establish a newer and biggci French Government in North Africa, Meanwhile, political advisers have arrived at Allied headquarters in North Africa from Britain.” The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” slates: “Admiral Darlan’s appointment will puzzle patriots resisting in all the Axis-controlled countries It is felt in some quarters hero that this Lading with discredited men is extremely dangerous.” The “News Chronicle” states; “French people in particular will waul to know something more about our dealings with Admiral Darlan.” The 8.8.C European service threw some light on Admiral Darlan’s status: “Unofficial British and American press comment has taken a critical attitude of the acceptance of Admiral Darlan’s as'sistanctne announcer said. ,‘Tn Algeria it is understood that Admiral Darlan is accepted in his present functions for strictly military reasons because it is desirable to ensure that civilian services are smoothly operated while the fighting continues.” Fighting french Attitude General de Gaulle and the French National Committee announce that they are taking no part whatsoever in and are assuming no responsibility tor the negotiations in progress in North Africa with twe representatives of Vichy. Should these negotiations result* in arrangements which, in effect, confirm the Vichy tegime in North Africa, such decisions could obviously not bo accepted by Fighting France. The union of all French territories overseas in the struggle lor liberation should be achieved in conditions consonant wi'h the will and dignity of the French people. A Fignting French spokesman said the Fighting French National Committee had issued its statement because news received privately from France in the last few days revealed that the French people were showing great consternation and bewilderment that the Allies were apparently treating Admiral Danar. on a basis of equality. Fighting' French headquarters had no desire to interfere in any political or military strategy considered, expedient during the occupation of North Africa. There was nothing personal in the headquarters statement. The Fighting trench leaders considered that their sole function was to represent Frencnmen who were unable to provide their own representatives. The feelings of the Fi’ench people had been conveyed ro London. Therefore the Fighting trench felt bound to adopt the samC. attitude. The French people suspected Admiral Darlan cf taking the opportunity to get his own back on Laval. A spokesman at General Eisenhower’s headquarters said Admiral Darlan’s help find been accepted for strictly military reasons. It was desirable to have an arrangement to keep the Civil Service running smoothly while military c iterations were going on in Tunisia. An officer has been attached to Lieu. tcnant-Generar Eisenhower's headquarters since the opening of operations in French North Africa to keep the British Government informed of ■ political developments.