FRENCH AFFAIRS

Grey River Argus, 5 August 1940, Page 6

FRENCH AFFAIRS

SHORTER RATIONS Blockade Effects [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l LONDON, August 3. The new Minister of Agriculture (M. Caziot) said): “I ‘advise those who can to remain in the country during the winter, instead of returning to the towns, where the shortages will be greater. France is not fading a famine, although the British blockade and the presence of the German Army force us to adopt snort rations.” The Paris paper “Le Temps” declares that the British blockade authorities have seized 260 tons of food consigned to France. The Minister of Labour announced that as a result of the petrol shortage motor traffic was being reduced to a tenth of its former proportions. France was negotiating with “certain .countries” for fresh supplies. Germany had guaranteed not to requisition petrol which France succeeded in importing. The Ministry of Agriculture predicts additional meatless days and more extensive food restrictions. The Ministry issued a warning that severe rationing of milk and butter would be necessary because of lack of fuel for transport. Measures were being taken to equip vehicles with charcoalburning devices. Meat would be short because of the need to build up livestock, of which the Germans in the occupied area have taken over large number.s The position in regard to edible oil is even more difficult, because all supplies came from the colonies, from which transport is very difficult. Eighty per cent, of France’s sugar is imported from regions severely affected by the war. CLERMONT FERRAND, August 2. A military court condemned General de Gaulle to death, and to militaiy degradation, for treason, attacks against the State, and desertion to a foreign country. London, August 2 General De Gaulle, after hearing he had been sentenced to death by a military court, issued the following statement: “The sentence is that ot a Court largely under the influence, and possibly even under the direct orders, of the common enemy. This enemy will, one day, be driven from the soil of France. On that day I will submit myself willingly to the judgment of the people.”

“I will have a settlement with th men of Vichy after the victory,” added General de Gaulle.

The Havas Agency also publishes the personnel of the Court that will try those charged with responsibility fo.? the war.

LONDON, August 2. The London office of Havas Agency has severed its connections with th.? French organisation which has turned pro-Petain.

The London service is now supporting General de Gaulle, and has been renamed Agence L.E.F. (Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite). The Agency hopes to become one of the principal means of getting out of France reliable information of th e course ot events there. It will also become the primary independent source of reliable news for free Frenchmen throughout the world. French in Britain DE GAULLE’S APPEAL. LONDON, August 3. Thousands of posters, bearing the tricolour, are appearing on boardings throughout Britain, ‘addressed to Frenchmen in French England, a translation of the poster, which was written by General De Gaulle, cieciares: France lost a battle, but has not lost the wai\ Immense forces will some day crush the enemy. France must b e present at the victory, and will then regain her liberty and greatness. General De Gaulle asks all Frenchmen to unite in action. FRANCE AND SPAIN. (Received August 4, 8.55 p.m ) VICHY, August .3. General Nogues has arrived by ’plane to confer with the Petain Government. FRENCH OIL TANKERS DETAINED BY BRITISH ALEXANDRIA, August 4. The French oil tankers Roxane and Melpomene have been detained here.