Darlan Makes Some Things More Clear

Northern Advocate, 18 December 1942, Page 4

Darlan Makes Some Things More Clear

(Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 17. Replying to a series of questions put to him by an American correspondent attached to Allied headquarters in North Africa Darlan said he definitely intends to use the French Fleet at Dakar, Alexandria and in North African ports against the Axis. To a question: “Does Darlan recognise de Gaulle's National Committee as representing any part of France,” he answered: “At present I have no statement to make on that subject, but I eagerly wish that all Frenchmen who are able to fight the Axis will do so in close union.”

Questioned whether his Government should be considered as representing all France, and the French Empire to the world or just North Africa and Dakar, Darlan answered: “For the present the High Commissioner represents North Africa and French West Africa.”

Questioned whether his Government planned any coalition with other French movements in the world, so as to present a United France to the enemy, Darlan answered: “My only scheme is to work in complete agreement with the United States, Britain and their Allies, to contribute to the greatest extent to the war effort.” A question concerning establishment of regular diplomatic relations with his Allies, he described as premature.

In Trust for Petain?

Questioned whether he intended to hold North Africa in trust for Petain, Darlan answered that he considered it his part to represent French interests as long as France was unable to express itself and freely choose its Government. Regarding his change in views as expressed a few weeks ago compared With his present position, Darlan declared that in France his job was resigned to keep the German power within limits. When the Allies landed in North Africa, he carried on the orders he had received to keep France’s word, which had prevented, for 28 months, Axis forces coming into French Africa. He ordered the “cease fire” as soon as possible and committed himself to the American military authorities, then when the Germans broke the Armistice, he considered the hour he so much wanted had struck.

He acted as the man who was eventually to take Petain’s place, and tried to muster to the side of the Allied Nations all Frenchmen still able to resume fighting. On December 11 he ordered the French fleet at Toulon to cross to Africa, but the previous evening Petain took command of all the French miltiary forces and the Commander-in-Chief of the fleet did not listen to what Darlan said.

A French Solution

Morocco radio reports that Darlan flew to Bona yesterday in a French Army bomber escorted by Allied fighters on his first official visit as High Commissioner. He was 'warmly welcomed by the people. Addressing officials, Darlan said that when peace comes. France will establish a constitution in accordance with her ideals and interests. It will not be copied from any other regime, but will be France’s own.

Reuter’s naval correspondent says that Darlan’s announcement means that two French battleships, three heavy cruisers, six other cruisers and a useful, but indefinite, number of destroyers and s übmarines will eventually join the Allied navies. “Had Me By Throat”

In a statement made to AngioAmerican correspondents in North Africa, Darlan said: “I seek no assistance or support for personal ambitions. My sole purpose is to save French Africa, help to free France and then retire to pirvate life with the hope that future leaders of France may be selected by the French people and by no one else.”

He added: “Co-operation with the Germans was forced on me. They had me by the throat. Every move I made, everything I said and everyone with whom I talked came under the closest German scrutiny. They were around me all the time.” Darlan claimed that his purpose had been to protect the French against more severe German repressive measures. A Repentant Practitioner Welcoming Darlan’s assurance that he does not possess personal ambitions, “The Times,” in a leader, says it is clearly designed to mitigate the United Nations’ grave misgivings. President Roosevelt must have made it clear to Darlan that limitation of the agreement with him to a temporary expedient actually is the settled Allied policy. Darlan’s earlier flamboyancies and hasty assumption of authority bore no relation to larger realities. His formal statement suggests a more prudent understanding of the position. Referring to Darlan’s explanation “the Germans had me by the throat.” “The Times” adds that many hard things have been said of Bcrlin-Vichy collaboration, but nothing quite so deadly and devastating as this confession by this now penitent practitioner. The Fighting French spokesman says: “Darlan, desiring to remain in power, is ready to give lip service to things he did his utmost to destroy.

“When Darlan collaborated with Hitler, he was Admiral of the Fleet and head of the Government. V/hat did he do with his power? “The fleet fought only against the Allies and suicided the French Empire except the territories joining the Fighting French. He used forces against the Allies. Darlan’s Government surrendered hostages to German firing squads and subjected France to a regime resembling the German.

“Darlan is trying to retain power in order to impose a dictatorship on France with the aid of the army he is trying to form in North Africa.”