GIRAUD’S COMMAND

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 24, 28 December 1942, Page 2

GIRAUD’S COMMAND

HIGH HOPES ENTERTAINED. (N.Z. Press Association— Copyright.) (Rec. 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 27. 'l’lie French army which General Giraud intends to lead to victory will follow their chief irrespective of creed, said the Morocco radio. General Giraud holds all civil and military powers and lie deserves this high confidence which his poors have bestowed on him and which a nation, on the march to her destiny will also unanimously ratify. An American correspondent, broadcasting from Algiers, said that there were great hopes in General Giraud s appointment which will mean not only the political unification of the people of North Africa but also oF all .French men and women outside France who arc supporting the cause of the United Nations.

A DISQUIETING CHAPTER. The pace with which the undefined French authority in Algiers acted as judge, jury, and executioner of Darlan’s unnamed assailant has caused concern in London, says the Observers political writer. It is felt that Darlan s Administration throughout had been more an Allied responsibility than a purely local French affair. The injudicial speed and secrecy with which the murderer was executed have brought the doubts aroused by the Darlan affair more into the open. Whatever else emerges bom this disquieting chapter, Parliament will want a great deal more information than has thus far been forthcoming. It is now felt that there are legitimate grounds for increasing Allied influence in the whole of North Africa. . The British United Press Algiers correspondent says that Darlan’s slayer was executed during an air raid, lhc plane motors and anti-aircraft guns drowned the noise of the firing squad’s shots. Inc assassin is reported to have showed no signs of emotion. The execution occurred only a few hours before Darlan s funeral, at which marched _ a detachment ot British sailors bearing the Union Jack and American troop's bearing the btars and Stripes. ____