FRENCH POLICY CRITICISED

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27150, 21 September 1953, Page 9

FRENCH POLICY CRITICISED

DELEGATES LEAVE ASSEMBLY

NEW YORK, September 16. The French delegation walked out of the United Nations General Assembly today during an attack on French policy in Indo-China and North Africa by Sir Mohammed Zafrullah Khan, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister. The delegation was headed by Mr Pierre Ordonneau, who told reporters: “There is no reason to listen to insanity.” The walk-out by the French delegates from tlje afternoon session lasted only for the duration of Sir Mohammed Zafrullah Khan’s speech. He said that Korea and the situation in the Far East were not the only tensions that threatened the peace. Then he launched into his criticism of the role of France in Indo-China and North Africa. He said the situation in Tunisia and Morocco was “tense and fraught with possibilities of grave developments,” and a remedy must be urgently found and applied. “France has throughout sought to suppress freedom and free political institutions.” In Indo-China, France had been compelled to make a declaration to transfer to the governments of the Associated States, such remaining powers as were needed to perfect their independence. That declaration was no evidence that France was inspired by a desire to promote liberty and independence through a peaceful change. It was proof of the success of the violent struggle that had been carried on there.