DEFEAT NOT FINAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23687, 20 June 1940, Page 9

DEFEAT NOT FINAL

FUTURE OF FRANCE GENERAL'S BROADCAST FAULTS TO BE REMEDIED British Wireless LONDON, June 18 General de Gaulle, ivho was Chef du Cabinet Militaire in M. Reynaud's Government, in a broadcast to-night said: "Generals who for many years have commanded the French armies have formed a Government. That Government, alleging that our armies have been defeated, has opened negotiations with the enemy to put an end to the fighting. "We certainly have been and still are submerged by the mechanical strength of the enemy, both on land and in the air. Tanks, aeroplanes and the tactics of the Germans astounded our generals to such an extent that they have been brought to the pass they are in to-day. But has the last word been said? Has all hope disappeared? Is the defeat final ?

"Believe me, I speak with knowledge and tell you that France is not lost, for France is not alone. She has a vast empire behind her. She can unite with the British Empire, which holds the seas and is continuing the struggle. She can utilise to the full, as Britain is doing, the vast industrial resources of the United States.

"This war is not limited to the unhappy territory of our country. This war has not been decided by the battle of France. This war is a world war.

"In spito of all our mistakes, deficiencies and sufferings, there are in the universe sufficient means to enable us one day to crush our enemies. Shattered to-day by mechanical force, we shall be able to conquer in the future by a stronger mechanical force. Tho fate of the world depends on it. "Whatever happens, the flamo of French resistance must not and shall not be extinguished." SAFETY OF PUBLIC PRESERVING ORDER ■ . ■ LONDON, Juno 18 The French Minister of the Interior, M. Charles Ponunaret, in a radio broadcast, appealed to the public to keep all routes free for movements of troops. "In your villages and homes you are safe," ho said. "The Government has decided that towns of over 20,000 inhabitants will be open towns, providing shelter from bombardment. "The Army is still fighting and order must be preserved behind tho lines. Franco still lives and will live." Tho French radio announcer said: "It is necessary to wait for news with calmness. The French peoplo are not prepared and never will be prepared to accept anything but an honourable peace." WOMEN CATCH ITALIANS LONDON, Juno 18 Tho French newspaper Le Journal says that Italian aeroplanes attacked the French Riviera between Toulon and Frejus. Italian parachutists landed, of whom two were disarmed by women. French fighters shot down 10 Italian aeroplanes.