LIBERATED COUNTRIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May 1944, Page 5

LIBERATED COUNTRIES

ALLIES’ PLAN OUTLINED. NEW YORK, May 16. The United States Assistant Secretary of War (Mr. John McCloy) told a Press conference that France and other friendly nations would receive less strict military governorship than Italy, says the Washington correspondent of the “New York Times.” He also hinted cautiously that Frenchmen, possibly through the de Gaullist Committee, might bo given considerable latitude in selfgovernment. Vichy supporters _ and collaborationists would Idc eliminated. A firm rule was planned for Germany, including the forced use of German labour, if necessary, in the early stages, measures to stamp out the effects of Nazi indoctrination, and measures to cope with the expected German underground movement, which dated back to the Ruhr occupation after the World War. Discussing Soviet participation in ruling liberated countries, Mr. McCloy said that Russia was actively participating in the Advisory Council for Italy, and was co-operating with Britain and America in considering the terms of surrender for Germany. Plans were being formulated for governing occupied Pacific territories and possibly Japan. Details could not be discussed at present. ALLIES' AGREEMENT. (Rec. Noon.) LONDON,,May 16. A. communique issued simultaneously at London, Washington and Moscow announces an agreement in identical terms between Britain, American, Russia and Norway. Belgium, and Holland, on the jurisdiction of civil administration in Norwegian Belgian, and Dutch territories after liberation. The communique says: “The agreements are intended to be essentially temporary and practical in character. They are designed to facilitate the task of the Allied Commanders and further the common purpose of the Governments concerned; namely, the speedy expulsion of the Germans from Allied territory, and the final victory of the Allies over Germany.” The agreements recognise that the Allied commanders must enjoy during the military phase of liberation such measures of supreme responsibility and authority over civil administration as may be required by the military situation. It is laid down that, as soon as the military situation permits, the Government shall resume lull constitutional responsibility for civil administration on the understanding that such special facilities as the Allied forces may continue to require will be made available for the prosecution of the war.