DARLAN’S CO-OPERATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 23, 26 December 1942, Page 2

DARLAN’S CO-OPERATION.

WHY HE CHANGED ATTITUDE, (Rec. 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 25 In an interview with a French journalist before the assassination, Darlan in stating that there was one supreme task —the winning of the war —said: “Our co-operation to-day is voluntary whereas formerly it was forced.

“During the 15 months in which I was Vice-President of the French Cabinet nothing essential was disclosed to the Axis. We who were at the mercy of the victors had only one weapon with which to defend ourselves, namely negotiation. We negotiated and loyally safeguarded all that remained to be safeguarded. Union to-day is essential. When the British and Americans invaded North Africa I was here only by chance visiting my sick son. Only when j realised that resistance meant ruin and further fighting would compromise French-American friendship did I order the cessation of hostilities and gave myself to the American authorities.

‘.‘When I heard on December 12 that the armistice terms had been broken and Marshal Retain had protested about it, I resumed my freedom and carried out the orders for which Marshal Retain had provided in 1940 in case whole of France was invaded. Thanks to the comprehension of General Nogues and M. Boisson, I was able to form a new empire bloc, and appointed General Giraud Commandcr-in-Chicf of our army. I am only acting as trustee for Retain, who was a prisoner. I am trustee for the national treasure. France will choose her own Government when free and my role will then be finished.”