CONTROL OF FRANCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 June 1944, Page 5

CONTROL OF FRANCE

U.S.A. OPPOSES DE GAULLE

BRITAIN’S MEDIATION

(Rec. 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. Uneasiness and disappointment are felt in the present relationship between General de Gaulle and Britain and the United States. There is still, as de Gaulle recently pointed out, no agreement between the French Committee and the Allied Governments regarding, the cooperation of the French Administration with the Allied armies in Frencn liberated territory. Mr. Roosevelt has invited de Gaulle to visit the White House. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent understands that de Gaulle proposes to consult his Committee in Algiers before sending a formal reply to Mr. Roosevelt. “The Times’s” diplomatic correspondent says: The British Government’s great desire in recent weeks has been to see the whole Western alliance more firmly established by agreement between the British and United States Governments and the French leaders, and if the conference at Washington can clear the way they will count it as a substantial step forward. French officials in London seem equally satisfied, for it has long been apparent the chief obstacle to an understanding has been between Washington and Algiers. On the whole Britain has been more disposed than Washington to. recognise the French Provisional Government and acknowledge its authority to take full charge of civil administration in France and to lead the French people-until free elections can be held.

He adds: The first hopes that the present London discussions would lead to a three-Power agreement had to be relinquished when Mr. Roosevelt did not appoint a political representative to meet de Gaulle. Little direct progress could be made on the political side, especially as de Gaulle himself hesitated to enter any British “ariff French political discussions which could only become effective after being broadened by consultation with Washington. Means of opening a way forward were being sought in London when Mr. Roosevelt’s invitation was announced.

The “Manchester Guardian” comments: “If the military arrangements of the Allies were as unintelligent as their political behaviour the Gestapo would govern Europe for another generation.” It adds: It would be difficult to match the obstinate folly of their treatment of France. The Allies explain that in France they might easily be giving power to bad Frenchmen if they regarded the Resistance Movement as representing France, even for a few months. They -prefer to trust the intuitions of Washington and Admiral Leahy’s pleasant memories of Vichy in’ their search for good Frenchmen, rather than take the credentials of men who have fought for France and givei> their children for her freedom.

The “Daily Herald” says: “Never was there a more vivid, unfortunate example of lag between the military and political progress on the Allied side.”

FURTHER PRESS COMMENTS

RUGBY, June 12.

Anxiety in responsible British quarters about the still indefinite relations between the British-American High Command and the French administration in Algiers is growingnow that the Allied forces are firmly established, in Normandy. It is foreseen that problems will soon arise, if indeed they are not already arising, which will require the closest collaboration between the responsible commanders in the liberated areas and the French authorities.

“The Times” deplores the fact that “according to the available evidence, diplomatic preparation for the invasion has fallen far behind —a failure, amounting almost to a boycott, to cooperate even on a practical plane with the Provisional Government of General de Gaulle.” “The Times” says it is welcome news that a meeting between General de Gaulle and Mr. Roosevelt is due to take place in Washington next month. It adds: •‘But to-day the recognised place for General de Gaulle is surely at the head of the forces he has so loyally and so patiently prepared for their greatest hour.”

The “Daily Telegraph” says: “Somehow France must be treated as France, not as Italy; that is to say, like an ally and not like an ex-enemy cobeiligerent.” •The “Manchester Guardian ’ says: “The danger that the Americans seek to avert by their refusal to give any effective recognition to Algiers is remote and improbable; but the danger they invite is immediate. It is the danger of creating anarchy and xenophobia in France.” DEADLOCK COMPLETE (Recd. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. According to French political circles General de Gaulle’s conversations in London resulted in almost a complete deadlock, says the British United Press Algiers correspondent. Unless de Gaulle is able to go to France first he is expected to return to Algiers to discuss the advisability of accepting Mr. Roosevelt’s invitation Io Washington. FRENCH RESISTANCE. (Rec. 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, June 13. Maquis entirely control Tarbes. the capital of Haute-Pyrenees, which has a population of 28,000, says the Associated Press Irun correspondent They captured the city after brief but bitter fighting on June 10 and 11. In the fighting the population sided with them against the German garrison. Three hundred Germans were taken prisoners.