De Gaulle on Resurgence Of France

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 190, 13 August 1945, Page 5

De Gaulle on Resurgence Of France

Received Sunday, 8.30 p.m. LONDON, August 12.

In a speech at Bethune General de Gaulle said: “How many Frenchmen buried in their native soil must have turned over in their graves when they learned that Germany’s fate was settled without France being consulted. Far from us to indulge in vain recriminations. We ’boldy accept things as they are, but also discern gains. There was not even a recognised French Government this time last year. Internationally things developed as if France were nothing but a great memory of the past. France to-day governs German lands together with the other three great Powers. She stands out powerfully from the Rhine to the Danube. She is a partner in the directive council of the United Nations’ organisation. All peoples great and small salute the resurrection of France who has resumed her forward march. ’ ’

General de Gaulle, describing France’s economic recovery since the liberation, said coal production was 1,800,000 tons above October and would be 3,000,000 tons this month. Steel and aluminium production would also be tripled. He added: “Nevertheless we have not yet reached 50 per cent of our prewar production.”