POPULAR CHOICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25111, 30 December 1942, Page 3

POPULAR CHOICE

FRENCH LEADER IN AFRICA DE GAULLE'S TRIBUTE RUGBY, Dec. 28. General de Gaulle, in a broadcast to the French people to-night, welcomed the assistance of General Giraud, to whose military qualities he paid a warm tribute. He emphasised that France would remain one and indivisible, and said France had always wanted to win the war at the side of her Allies for the liberty and security of the world.

France had intended to continue the fight with her fleet, merchant navy, and financial assets, he said, but those who were opposed to the sovereignty of the people had profited by the disorder of the defeat in the homeland to take command for a time. But that was only an episode which did not change the national will, and to-day it was known that the great mass of the French people approved and upheld those who were fighting against the Axis.

The French National Committee had been able to assemble little by little a great part of the Empire, and important military forces to resist the enemy. It had also been able to secure from a great number of foreign Powers guarantees concerning the integrity and independence ■of France. France had never been out of the war, and now that General Giraud had begun to draw into the combat .troops of North Africa, who had already obtained great successes, the union of the whole nation in the war was not merely desired, but would soon be realised. A Washington endorsement of General Giraud's selection is contained in a statement by Mr Cordell Hull, who commented that General Giraud was a most fortunate choice, and, he was sure, would receive enthusiastic commendation.

The Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, had a lengthy talk with General de Gaulle, who may delay his departure for a conference with President Roosevelt, says the Daily Express. Negotiations for full cooperation between Generals de Gaulle and Giraud are progressing in a satisfactory manner, but it 'should not be assumed that all the difficulties have been overcome. Many knotty problems remain. Mr Eden and President Roosevelt are giving every help in the negotiations.

The Vichy radio announced that General Giraud had been deprived of his nationality. The radio added: "North African troops and civilians must not obey Giraud."

NOT RECOGNISED BY RETAIN (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 28,

Marshal Petain has refused General Giraud authority to act on his behalf in North Africa. In a statement broadcast by the Vichy radio, Marshal Petain said: "All the unworthy" leaders who surrendered French Africa to the British and Americans have claimed and are continuing to claim that they" acted in accord with me, and even under my orders. I formally contradict these statements. I gave them orders to resist aggression, and they had the means to do this, They have broken their word, forfeited their honour, and sacrificed the interests of France. Admiral Darlan, because of his former Government position, was able to make the people think he was exercising legal power, but it cannot be doubted that General Giraud has no legal authority. I refuse him, and also those placing themselves under his orders, the right to speak or act in my name." The German News Agency says Marshal Petain has deprived Generals Bergeret and Barre of their nationality.

REACTION IN BRITAIN A FEELING OF CONFIDENCE (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Dec. 28. The excitement over Admiral Darlan's death has simmered down, and the initial uneasiness that the political consequences might be unfavourable is giving way to confidence that a satisfactory outcome may be expected from the delicate negotiations now proceeding. It is emphasised that the overriding issues are a successful conclusion to the North African campaign and the importance of welding all shades of French political opinion against the Nazis, particularly as the time is approaching when decisive military operations will be undertaken on the European mainland. One of the chief objections in Britain against Admiral Darlan was that he split the growing French unity outside Europe, while the principle of the Allies co-operating with a former quisling caused the gravest misgiving. These views persisted in spite of the realisation that General Eisenhower's decision to accept Admiral Darlan was based on military necessity and saved needless sacrifice.

No such complicated atmosphere surrounds General Giraud, whose romantic record of implacable antiNazism inspires confidence in Britain, where the appointment is welcomed, and it is hoped that he will reconcile all the French partiotic elements.

The view in London is that it is not helpful, and, in fact, is dangerous, to speculate on the nature of the new regime, and that the situation should be assessed on information coming from North Africa.