GENERAL GIRAUD’S POST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25384, 16 November 1943, Page 5

GENERAL GIRAUD’S POST

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF CONDITIONAL RETENTION (Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 14. General Giraud stipulated four conditions for the retention of his post as commander-in-chief, says the Algiers correspondent of the Associated Press —First, adoption by the National Committee of a resolution thanking him for leading the North African Government last year and expressing confidence in his future military leadership; secondly, complete freedom in directing war operations; thirdly, no French officer to be examined by the Purge Commission without General Giraud’s consent; fourthly, no new French generals to be created without General Giraud’s consent.

The first condition, according to General Giraud, was fulfilled. The second means that General Giraud will not be required to inform General de Gaulle or the committee of contemplated military operations. The third will enable General Giraud to retain the officers he considers loyal and essential. The fourth prevents de Gaullists from promoting anyone over General Giraud’s head. General Giraud last night stated that he was confident that the committee would comply with the conditions. A de Gaullist spokesman said the tommittee had accepted the conditions but qualified some with the phrase “for the time being.” He pointed out, that many de Gaullists were determined to purge certain army officers, one of whom they assert General Giraud is protecting.