WAR GUILT ON HITLER, SAYS DALADIER

Northern Advocate, 4 September 1939, Page 6

WAR GUILT ON HITLER, SAYS DALADIER

(Received noon.) PARIS, September 3. The Fi'ench Government has officially announced that Germany replied in the negative to the French ultimatum, thus France was automatically at war. The Premier (M. Daladier), in a broadcast, said that France, since September, has been the victim of a “most brutal and sinister type of aggression.” He added that responsiblity for the war rests wholly on Hitler’s shoulders, and con- , eluded: “Vive La France! ” The zone in rear of the Maginot Line has been completed evacuated by civilians. French Army in Position. Officials quarters have expressed enthusiasm at the selection of Mr Winston Churchill as First Lord of the Admiralty, in succession to Earl Stanhope. The French Army, numbering over 8,000,000 men has moved into position. Just where and how Britain and France are going to Poland’s air is a military secret. France is tense but calm. Germany May Fight Alone.

The reason why France did not act simultaneously with Britain is explained by the fact that the French forces are nearer to Germany, and could go into action faster, Britain needing a few hours to mass her fighting strength. French circles said it appeared that Germany might bo fighting alone. Regarding Italy, diplomats said said there was still a game to be played out there.

The French ultimatum to Germany was couched in similar terms to Britain’s.