Ready For Strong Line Against French Factions

Northern Advocate, 29 June 1943, Page 3

Ready For Strong Line Against French Factions

(1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 28. -3SS33G President Roosevelt’s secretary (Mr. Early) has confirmed that General Giraud is expected in Washington shortly and added that the visit will be in a military rather than political capacity. The French National Committee at Algiers has accepted M. Boisson’s resignation from Governorship of West Africa, but has asked him to carry on until his successor has been appointed. With large-scale’ trans - Mediterranean military operations imminent, the United States Government is ready to back up General Eisenhower to the limit in any steps necessary to eliminate threats to military success created by the political controversy between Giraud and de Gaulle, says the Associated Press.

“Unimpeachable authorities” have disclosed that the Government does not expect General Eisenhower to tolerate any de Gaullist or other activity which would (1) Delay execution of the projected. Allied aggressive military operations. (2) Jeopardise vital British, American and French supplies to North and West Africa. (3) Undermine the morale of French officers and men under Giraud or prevent their effective participation in projected operations. Informants declare that full British co-operation to this end is assured regardless of the effect on de Gaulle’s status or ambitions. What Does America Intend? There are undercurrents of unrest and disappointment among Frenchmen in Algiers, says the Algiers correspondent of Columbia Broadcasting System. The de Gaullist weekly paper “Combat” appeared with a large blank space on the front page from which an editorial had been deleted by the French censor. It is understood that the editorial declared that last week’s compromise arrangement made the poorest impression on the public. Frenchmen are asking what is the aim of the American policy? Do Americans want to see the achievement of real French Unity? Do they think that a compromise arrangement leaving French forces divided can gain the confidence of the French people? Another Algiers message says that Giraud is expected to leave for the United States before the end of the week. It is understood that the American invitation did not include de Gaulle. For the first time since his arrival in North Africa de Gaulle reviewed Allied troops in Tunis yesterday. Enthusiastic crowds greeted de Gaulle as he rode through the streets in an open car. Crowds often broke through police cordons.