Darlan’s Confession

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1942, Page 4

Darlan’s Confession

WHEN the history of the war is written few chapters will be more intriguing than those which deal with the part played by Admiral Darlan, and probably Marshal Petain, in the tragedy of France. It is too soon .to say whether Admiral Darlan has been a good or evil star, but a statement made by him to an American correspondent attached to the Allied headquarters in North Africa should be accepted at its face value. There is no reason why it should not be, despite the prejudice with which the French sailor and politician has very justifiably been regarded since the fall of France. Admiral Darlan said definitely that he intends to use against the Axis the French ships now located at Dakar, Alexandria and in French North African ports. This means, according to Reuter, that two French battleships, three heavy* cruisers, six other cruisers and a useful but indefinite number of destroyers and submarines will eventually join the Allied navies. The value of such an addition to the fleets of Britain and the United States need not be emphasised. The pity that the whole of the French fleet did not link up with the Allies when France surrendered to Germany also need not be emphasised. It is nevertheless gratifying that the remnants of the fleet outside those in Toulon harbour, are to join the ships of the United Nations. Whether any Frenchman other than Darlan could have brought about this state of affairs is a matter of speculation which need not be indulged at the present time, especially in view of a declaration by Admiral Darlan that he intends to retire into private life as soon as peace is restored and France is freed from Nazi oppression. He says—and the same contention has been made by the leaders of the United Nations —that the future constitution of France is a matter to be decided by the French people themselves. It is therefore not helpful to voice captious criticism just now. The all important task is to secure the overthrow of the Axis Powers, in which J he destruction of the Nazis must take priority.

Admiral Darlan admits that he has played a double role, but claims that he has done so, and thereby earned public obloquy, for the sole purpose of saving France from greater humiliation and repression. “Co-operation with the Germans,” hq says, “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.” The validity or otherwise of his plea,

which is reminiscent of the or which must be left to the tribun

hodox spy drama, is a matter il of time.