DE GAULLE'S AMBITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24631, 9 July 1943, Page 3

DE GAULLE'S AMBITION

ALLEGED SECRET DOCUMENT (Rocd. 5.3.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. July 7 The American Government has received information concerning a secret French document which is alleged to reveal that General de Gaulle's followers desire to perpetuate him as leader of the French people, says the Washington correspondent of the United Press. Responsible quarters have vouched for the authenticity of the document, which takes the form of an oath of allegiance subscribed to by de Gaullists in and out of France. The oath pledged de Gaul list agents to recognise General de Gaulle as the sole legitimate leader of Frenchmen and to work under the orders of his leaders before as well as after the liberation of France. The correspondent says the document has caused concern among Government officials, who reluctantly are coming to the conclusion that General de Gaulle is more interested in his own political ambitions than the United Nations cause. General Bergeret, who was connected with the French air forces in West Africa, has been removed by the French Committee of National Liberation, states an Algiers message. Supporters of General de Gaulle accused General Bergeret of strong Vichy ties and sympathy with air force officers who were adhering to Marshal Petnin's regime. GIRAUD IN WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, July 7 General Giraud, of the French Committee of National Liberation, arrived in Washington this afternoon to confer with President Roosevelt. A salute of 17 guns was fired as his plane touched down at an airfield. He was welcomed by a reception committee headed by Admiral Jx>ahy, Chief of Staff to President Roosevelt. With the general were three officers who escaped from France in an Allied submarine last November. General Giraud visited President Roosevelt at the White House some hours al'lor his arrival.