FRENCH IN AOSTA VALLEY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 12 June 1945, Page 6

FRENCH IN AOSTA VALLEY

ORDER TO WITHDRAW REFUSED London, June 10. ‘‘Europe’s next sore spot is likely to be the Aosta Valley in the Alps, northwestern Italy,” writes the ‘‘Daily Telegraph” Aosta correspondent. ‘‘French troops who last April occupied the Valley at SHAEF’s direction, have now been told to withdraw, but refuse to go. The valley was, in fact, already liberated by Partisans, when the French force, consisting of 2000 men, marched , in. American forces arrived soon afterwards and took over the whole valley. Field Marshal Alexander had not planned any double occupation, so six weeks ago the French were asked to leave. They are still here and even at San Martino, 50 miles inside Italy the French flag still flies and sentries still stand on guard. “The Allied Military Government everywhere is carrying on administration but a French shadow organisation is standing by waiting. It is all perfectly peaceful. So far not a single incident has marred the double occupation, but,” adds the correspondent, ‘‘it is the principles for which we fought that are involved.”