POSITION OF DARLAN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23799, 19 November 1942, Page 5

POSITION OF DARLAN

Statement by Mr Roosevelt FIGHTING FRENCH ATTITUDE (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 12.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 18. “The political arrangements with the French in North Africa are only a temporary expedient justified solely by the stress of battle,” declared Mr Roosevelt, at a press conference. Mr Roosevelt read a formal statement explaining that the temporary arrangement made by Lieutenant-General Dwight D. Eisenhower with Admiral Darlan was justified because it saved American, British, and French lives, and also rendered unnecessary a mopping up period in Algeria and Morocco of probably a month or two which would have delayed the attack on Tunisia “and we hope, on Tripoli.” Mr Roosevelt said every day’s delay would have enabled the Germans and Italians to build up strong resistance, requiring a huge operation on the part of the Allies before they could win. Mr Roosevelt said he thoroughly understood and approved the feeling in the United States, and in Britain, and all the United Nations that in view of the historv of the last two years no permanent arrangement should be made with Admiral Darlan, The United Nations never would understand the recognition or reconstituting of a Vichy Government in France or in any French territory, but in the meantime he had accepted General Eisenhower’s political arrangements for the time being. Mr Roosevelt said he had asked for the liberation of all persons in North Africa imprisoned because they had opuosed Nazi efforts to dominate the world He had also asked for the abrogation of all Nazi-inspired laws and decrees. The Common Enemy “Reports indicate that the French in North Africa are subordinating all political questions ,to the formation of a common front against the common enemy,” said Mr Roosevelt. “French troops, commanded by General Giraud. are already fighting in Tunisia by the side of British and American soldiers for the liberation of their country. The future French Government will be established by the French people themselves when they are set free by a United Nations’ victory, and not by any individual in metropolitan France or overseas, No one in the American Army has authority to discuss the future' government of France and the French Empire.” Asked whether he could say anything on the position of General de Gaulle. Mr Roosevelt replied that it was all right, and he would not worry about it. , According to a London message a Fighting French spokesman said: “Mr' Roosevelt’s statement clearly and completely confirms what we have always hoped—namely, that the present arrangement in North Africa imcrely brief and temporary. Our statement on Monday night was necessary because there was considerable consternation and bewilderment in France, but not because we had the least shadow of doubt about the good faith of our American allies.” Opposition Expressed General de Gaulle and the Fighting French National Committee have refused to send representatives to North Africa as originally planned, states the political correspondent of the “Evening News.” It is pointed out in Fighting French circles that Admiral Darlan’s legislative council indicates an undesirable measure of permanence. A Fighting French colonel who recently left Morocco made a statement in London acicusing Admiral Darlan of delaying his appeal to the French licet to leave Toulon until he knew the Germans had completed their preparations to prevent the fleet’s departure. The colonel was one oi the Fighting French who revealed the bitterness with which the members of the Vichy Government, including Admiral Darlan, were regarded throughout North Africa. “Supporters of General de Gaulle were preparing to assist the American landings in North Africa as early as August, and almost everything was ready for the reception of the Americans when they came ashore,” he said. “A French officer had captured the Rabat radio station, but Vichy supporters had later reoccupied it. “Admiral Darlan was forced to capitulate at Algiers under pressure from the French population. Admiral Darlan often declared that Britain was France’s only enemy. He is a sheer traitor to France, and the majority of the French people have already condemned him to death. Both ViccAdmiral Esteva (French Governor of xunis) and General Nogues are Britain’s enemies.” A Fighting French major supported the colonel, adding: "We are somewhat disappointed to discover that we, the founders of resistance in North Africa, have been swept away in favour of Germany’s friends.” A Fighting French naval lieutenant, who left North Africa on October 5, said: “We want leaders whose hands are clean.” Trade Union Feeling The executive committee in London of the "Centre Syndical Francaise,” which is the French trade union organisation in Britain, revealed strong anti-Darlan feelings in appealing to the Governments of Britain, America, Russia, and Mexico for the punishment of all Vichy collaborators. The committee said: “The French people regained indispensable unity around the national committee led by General de Gaulle. They would not understand the formation of a so-called government in North Africa containing renegades of betrayal and excluding those who have fought side by side with the Allies for two years. The liberation of the French people must be indivisible. “Those responsible for the capitulation of France —the creators and collaborators of Vichy, as well as the participators in a criminal policy against our people—must not be allowed to escape the punishment they deserve." The United States Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) at a press conference in Washington said that the North African situation was purely military in character. Military' operations were still in progress, and the factor to which the most, serious concern must be given was victory in these military operations. Paris radio announced that seven French officers were shot for assisting General Giraud to escape. Morocco radio states that Admiral Darlan has appointed M. Charles Ettori, Councillor of State in Algeria, a Legislative Councillor in the new Legislative and Administrative Council for French North Africa. M. Connand, Director of Finance to the Algerian Governor-General, has been appointed general secretary to the Government in succession to M. Ettori.