NEW FRANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25050, 14 November 1944, Page 5

NEW FRANCE

CALL FOR UNITY CHURCHILL SPEAKS STRONG AEIY UEGED RESTORING STABILITY LONDON, Nov. 12 It is possible that in six months' time our desperate enemy may have been beaten to the ground, said the Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, speaking in French after receiving the freedom of the city of Paris today. He said that he understood France's desire to play the greatest possible part in the forthcoming battles, but the war could not be prolonged merely to supply sufficient arms to enable the French Army to participate. "We shall, however, do our utmost so that France shall play the greatest possible part in what is left of this horrible war," Mr Churchill continued. Faith in Citizens oi Paris He said he had never lost faith in the citizens of Paris. During the hard years when they were under the yoke of the Boche and Britain had the blitz—which was the lesser of two evils—he always had a feeling of unity between the people of Paris and Britons. Also, if there had not been a Channel Britain might have been hard put to it to face 2000 tanks without the necessary cannon.

"I am sure that if there had been a possibility of lighting on equal terms Frenchmen would again have shown those qualities which have given them an immortal'place in history. I am interpreting the sentiments of the British people and the definite policy of the British Government when I say that we wish to see a strong French Army as soon as possible. That is necessary for the restoration of equilibrium in Europe." Unforgettable Welcome Mr Churchill said that to the last moments of his # life he would remember the welcome given him by the people of Paris. "Will you allow me to say one word—unity." Mr Churchill stood silent among the cheers that followed. Then, when the applause died down, he said "unity, stability and solidarity. "Fnyice cannot afford subdivisions which were tolerable normal times," he continued. "Now is the moment when all the forces of the nation must bo directed toward re-establishing the greatness and authority of this great nation. Happily you have at this moment an incontestable leader. There was a time when I had somewhat lively arguments with him, but I am absolutely sure you will rally around your leader and do your utmost for France united and indivisible. Place Among Great Powers "Now is the time to forget many things. Remember only the important things so that France may retake her place among the Great Powers and march with us, not only to clean up her own territory and to crush the enemy, but also to arrange her affairs so that France will contribute to the great movements for progress which are now growing up among men and women of generosity the world over." Cheering crowds thronged the streets through which Mr Churchill drove to the Hotel de Ville, says the Exchange Telegraph's Paris correspondent. He was provided with a guard of honour, which stretched from the square to the reception room. Every yard of the corridors and stairs was marked by a chasseur of the Republican Guard resplendent in blue uniform and silver helmet topped with a scarlet plume. Resistance leaders presented to Mr Churchill a large Nazi flag which formerly flew over the Hotel de Ville.

Mr and Mrs Churchill attended a dinner given by the British Ambassador in Paris, Mr Duff Cooper, and Lady Diana Duff Cooper. General and Madame de Gaulle were present, together with Mr and Mrs Anthony Eden, and the United States and Soviet Ambassadors and their wives. DEFENSIVE ALLIANCE PROPOSALS IN PARIS BRITAIN, FRANCE, BELGIUM LONDON, Nov. 12 Mr Churchill and Mr Eden, with General de Gaulle and the French Foreign Minister, M. Bidault, are planning to save Western Europe from a third invasion by Germany through the medium of a defensive association _ between Britain, France and Belgium, says the Press Association's diplomatic correspondent, commenting on the British-French talks in Paris. The Dutch Government is also greatlv interested. Russia is working toward a similar association of States in Eastern Europe, the correspondent adds, so that when Germany is defeated she will be encircled by a fence of bayonets of peaceloving Powers in Europe. The talks will last longer than was originally planned and it may be several days before Mr Churchill and Mr Eden return to London. These associations of Powers will come within the framework of the United Nations organisation proposed at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference, which will have at its immediate disposal forces ready to strike against aggressors. Belgium is believed to be prepared to give air bases to Britain. Military and scientific discussions regarding the use of and defence against self-propelled missiles are also planned. The Sunday Times refers to the advantages of regional military and economic co-operation, and says the advantages are fully recognised in Paris.

The paper prints an interview with M. Bidault, in which he states that there would be no objection to a defensive military arrangement _ between Western European countries and Britain and Franco in particular. M. Bidault added that there must be a Germany, but one which would be unable to wage another war. He stressed the importance to France of control of the Rhine and the Ruhr. This was of the greatest interest to France, which ought to be given a privileged position in this connection. . . "The day will come when.the British and the Americans will want to go home, but France must remain," ho said. "Germany has given France on her own soil a very good example of how to control industries efficiently without making control too obvious to the public. That method," said M. Bidault, "deserves careful study." SOCIALISTS' VIEWS LOYALTY TO DE GAULLE (Reed. 6.45 p.m.) PARIS, Nov. 13 The French Socialist Party has issued a manifesto which pleads for collaboration with the Communist Party and also stresses loyalty to General de Gaulle. It states that without socialisation the most important industries of France after victory could not achieve prosperity. It also says that the Allies should occupy the whole of Germany. No systematic revenge should be taken against Germany but iust trials of war criminals should be held. 15 DAYS ADRIFT CUTTER REACHES FIJI (Rprd. 0.30 p.m.) SUVA, Nov. 13 A sailing • cutter arrived at Wailagilala, Fiji, from Nuiafoou, Tonga, after 15 days adrift with the compass out of order. On board were 12 Tongan adults and five children. For seven days they had no food or water. .One child died..