DE GAULLE’S STAND

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1943, Page 3

DE GAULLE’S STAND

For Military Changes

OPPOSED BY FRENCH GENERALS.

LONDON, June 20.

The Associated Press correspondent at Algiers stated: It is reported that General de Gaulle declared he would, leave Algiers for Beirut or Brazzaville, if his military, reform proposals are not approved. An atmosphere of unrest pervades headquarters. General de Gaulle’s declaration came on the eve of a meeting; of the Committee of National Liberation, which is considering the military reform proposals to-mor-row. Although the history of relations between de Gaulle and Giraud has been a repetition of one crisis after another the impending decision on military authority appears to be the climax. General de Gaulle’s intimates point out that he is the only valid link between the Third Renublic and present attempts to establish a unified Overseas French regime, because he is the only member of the National Committee who was in the Republic’s last Government. Some observers consider that if General de Gaulle leaves Algiers he’ is more entitled than the Committee of Liberation to recognition as the central authority of the French Empire. General Giraud’s success in mobilising the French forces to fight with the British and Americans in Tunisia and the successful part his army subsequently played in crushing’ Axis resistance, have won him favour with the Allied High Command, whatever his future political role. . ’ . The British United Press says that virtually all the Committee men are believed to be in favour of General Giraud continuing as Commander-in-Chief. , m Reuter’s correspondent says: The

majority of North Africa’s 169 French Generals, the majority of whom are over sixty' years, and also senior officers support General Giraud. On the other hand, more junior officers, n.c.o.’s and troops strongly support General de Gaulle, who is reported to 1 want a small highly trained superbly equipped army, with a good proportion of air troops. General Giraud prefers a larger army, better equipped than at. present, with Bren guns, and trucks. FRENCH HONOUR. FOR GENERAL ANDERSON. (Rec. 12.10.) LONDON, June 21. An Algiers message states that General Giraud invested General Anderson with the Legion of Honour. General Giraud gave General Anderson a portrait of himself, inscribed: “To General Anderson, in niemor v of the- magnificent Tunisian victory, of which he was one of the principal architects.”