FRANCE UNABLE TO RELY NOW ON ATLANTIC PACT

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1949, Page 5

FRANCE UNABLE TO RELY NOW ON ATLANTIC PACT

De Gaulle’s Estimate Of New Atomic Situation PARIS, September 25.

Genex’al de Gaulle, speaking on Sunday in Bordeaux at an open air meeting, said: The Atlantic Pact would have been good if America had been able to preserve a monopoly of the atom bomb, but, if the weapon was in th e hands of both camps, the pact as now drawn up would lose a great deal of its efficacy for Europe. He said; “The French people are feeling increasingly apprehensive. The French economy is only bolstered up because of temporary imports under the Marshall Plan. Our- budget is only balanced by Inflation. France has had to admit fresh devaluation, imposed from outside in disquieting and irritating conditions. “The nation must be warned that nothing obliges the United States to take part in the immediate defence of our Continent. As long as Europe does not constitute a powerful bridgehead, do not let us expect armadas will ar?'ive to disembark their armies.

“England would fight if the West were attacked, but because of air power she has strategically ceased to be entirely an island. She thinks first of her own defence, and would not risk the main part of her forces on the Continent. It is up to the French people to ensure French security. The immediate security of Europe and North Africa is, in tne first instance, the responsibility of France”.

General de Gaulle emphasised that the Germans must oe included among the peoples of Europe. Europe could only be re-created if direct agreement was reached between the Germans and the Gauls.