American Reaction To Darlan’s Statement

Northern Advocate, 18 December 1942, Page 4

American Reaction To Darlan’s Statement

(2 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Dec. 17.

White House has released Darlan’s statement with an introduction by President Roosevelt in which he stated that since November 8 the people of North Africa had accomplished much in support of the United Nations war effort and had definitely allied themselves on the side of Liberalism.

The “New York Times” Washington correspondent says that although he had not commented directly on it., the President’s action in issuing Darlan’s statement gave evidence of approval. Officials expressed the hope that Darlan’s renunciation of his personal ambitions would quieten the criticism voiced in many quarters. However. a Fighting French tpokesman branded the statement as a “piece of whitewash," showing Darlan intends to remain in power for the duration. The spokesman expressed regret that steps had not teen taken to restore the democratic regime functioning in North Africa before the Vichy Government. The Polish Prime Minister (General Sikorski), in a speech in New York, defended Allied acceptance oi Darlan. lie declared the decision of the African High Command was exclusively dictated by military requirements and entirely justified by them. General Sikorski also paid tribute to de Gaulle as a symbol mortal of Fighting France. Hull Non-Committal The United States Secretary for State (Mr Cordell Hull), at a Press conference, declined to enter the Darlan controversy. He emphasised the need for unity and co-operation among groups and individuals in the United Nations. This applied universally, not to any particular country or individuals. The first of the two central points to be kept constantly in mind was that every person or group should use every endeavour to unify efforts for the Allied cause. Until the war is won we need all the helo we can get. The second point is, that after victory is won and liberty restored, the various countries, under the terms of the Atlantic Charter, will have the fullest opportunities to select their own leaders and own forms of government.

Pressed for his reaction to Mr Wendell Willkie's declaration that

any temporary arrangement with Darlan might cost more American lives, Mr Hull smiled and said he preferred to await the conclusion of the controversy between Mr Willkie and Senator Vandenburg before entering the discussion himself.