FOR FREEDOM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24334, 26 June 1940, Page 7

FOR FREEDOM

THE HONOUR OF FRANCE A GENERAL’S APPEAL RESPONSE FROM COLONIES (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, June 24. (Received June 20. at 8 p.m.) General de Gaulle again broadcast from London to-night and appealed to all Frenchmen to unite in order, with their Allies, to give freedom to the world and glory to their fatherland. He insisted that the capitulation existed only on paper. There were still forces of resistance in the French empire which desired to save their honour and carry on the war. General de Gaulle said: “I have reason to believe that the French fleet will not surrender.” Referring to the Bordeaux Government's reported decision to cashier him. General de Gaulle said: “ I have no official information. Whatever happens will not change my position.” He revealed that he had established communication with ■ General Nogues, General Mittelhauser and General Catoux, the French commander in Indo-China. He added: “ From information I have received I am convinced that all parts of the French Empire will continue to fight. I have received an almost unbelievable response to my broadcast appeal from French residents in Britain. I have also received messages from people living in France and the French colonies.” Shame and Revulsion General de Gaulle, broadcasting to the French, said: “ I just want to say, because somebody must say it, what shame and revulsion fills the hearts of good Frenchmen at the signing of the Franco-German and Franco-Italian armistices, which will deliver the French people to the enemy, tied hand and foot. There are among us people beyond number who will not accept them and will not admit them. France is like a boxer who. knocked out, lies prostrate, but she knows that her life is still deep and strong. She knows that this business has not ended and the cause not lost. She knows and feels she is worthy of something better than the slavery which the Bordeaux Government has accepted.” BRITAIN’S RECOGNITION LONDON, June 24. It Is authoritatively stated that although General de Ga_ulle enjoys the full confidence and sutpport of the British Government, we have not withdrawn diplomatic recognition from the Retain Government. The terms of General de Gaulle’s broadcast last night enunciated in full the agreement with the British Government, which feels itself justified in giving an opportunity for the formation of the nucleus of an organisation which will provide the rallying point for Frenchmen overseas. The withdrawal of the British Ambassador (Sir Ronald Campbell) from Bordeaux was due to military and not diplomatic reasons. A representation of the diverse elements of opinion, in the French Empire which are determined upon continued resistance cannot be achieved overnight, bul developments are waited with confidence in French circles in London. The British Government will afford encouragement to patriotic Frenchmen everywhere in rallying their forces against the common enemy, but there is no intention on its part of prejudicing the nature or character which the organisation may take. Following General Mittelhauser’s announcement from Damascus that he would support General de Gaulle, numerous tribal chieftains telegraphed the French authorities offering their lives and properties. . The High Commissioner for Syria sent a message: “Despite the signing of the armistice, the French military and civil authorities in Syria do not waver and do not surrender.” A high French officer at Beirut expressed a similar sentiment and declared: “The battle is for our empire and the world. The war is just beginning.” NATIONAL COMMITTEE M. REYNAUD MAY JOIN LONDON, June 25. (Received June 25, at 10.5 p.m.) The exact constitution of the French National Committee, depended on the arrival of certain important persons who were now on their way to England from France, said General de Gaulle. “I hope that M, Reynaud will come to England,” he added, “because no doubt he would join the National Committee I think that if resistance develops in the French Colonial Empire the National Committee will seek the formation of a new Government somewhere on French soil. This Government must have representation in London, which is not only the centre of communication for the whole worm, but will become ‘the capital of the war.' If Britain resists attack, it would be enough to permit the organisation of resistance somewhere in France.” It was not for him to appoint the French Government, which was a question for the National Committee, but he could not hide the fact that he had taken the initiative in this direction, General de Gaulle concluded. FRENCH PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA RESPONSE TO CALL SYDNEY, June 25. (Received June 26, at 0.45 a.m.) On behalf of the French people in Australia more than 100 French citizens met in Sydney to-day and decided to send the following cablegram to General de Gaulle:—“ Without passing judgment on the decisions of the Bordeaux Government, the French people in Australia have agreed to place at your disposal themselves, their energy and their resources in order to continue the struggle to the end.” A similar message is being cabled to General Mittelhauser and other French colonial commanders. \ The French Consul-general, M. Tremoulet, attended the meeting and reminded his countrymen that “ history may prove that the criticism of the French Govei’nmcnt was ill-deserved.” FRENCH WOMEN’S RESOLVE LONDON. Juno 25. (Received June 25. at 10 p.m.) French women in the United Kingdom and French wives of Englishmen, representing 5000 women, jointly sent a letter to Mr Churchill and General de Gaulle, as follows: “ Our resolve is unshakeable to work at all times and in all ways to help England win the struggle. Many of us have already lost nearly everybody and everything we hold dear. We realise that the ruthlessness of war France has experienced will now fall on this country, which we consider j our own. We wish to play our part.”