DE GAULLE’S CALL FOR FRENCH TO RESIST COMMUNISM

Grey River Argus, 20 April 1948, Page 5

DE GAULLE’S CALL FOR FRENCH TO RESIST COMMUNISM

PARIS. April 18

At Marseilles. General Gaulle in a speech called on France to rally against Communism. He demanded n general election, because M. Schuman’s Government had lost the people’s support and control of the political and economic situation. He alleged that Russia sought world domination/ but would not dare i’o pursue her expansionist drive if confronted bv an organised Eurone. (Rec. 10.0). LONDON, April 19. “Events are moving fast. Without abandoning hope of peace, we can all feel that a burning wind presages the storm”, sa’d General de Gaulle, addressing 120,000 listeners through loud-speakers on a barge at MarsWUei . , General de Gaulle said that hopes that France would maintain the unity she discovered during her resistance, and that Russia would co-onerate with her Allies, had proved illusionarv. The French Communists were moie anti-French than ever, and Russia s onlv aim was domination. General de Gaulle declared that his rally of the French people was ready to open its ranks to all who wished to serve France. Communists, while the General was speaking, held a rally of persons, where General de Gaulle was described as “a traitor and an adventurer”. Police and guards in steel helmets' watched both meetings from rooftops and windows.

French Appreciate U.S. Aid in Goods

, PARIS, April 18. France had received £70.000 000 worth of goods from America since January 1, 1948. said the Premier, M. Schuman, speaking at Poiters. The aid was an “unprecedented act of human solidarity.” It held out "rent opportunitv for the peaceful organisation of the world.

He added that the Government would shortly ask Parliament for the “rapid passing of laws for military reorganisation, which will cost only the indispensable minimum in money and men.”