LIBERATED FRANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25562, 15 June 1944, Page 6

LIBERATED FRANCE

ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED NOTICE SERVED TO ALLIES (Rec. 10 p.m.) • LONDON, June' 14. The French Provisional Government at Algiers has appointed civil' and military administrators for the liberated regions of Normandy and has served notice that it expects the Allies to respect its authority within France. M. Francois Coulet, who was a former Secretary-general for Corsica, has been appointed civil administrator, and Colonel Pierre Dechevigny military administrator. Colonel Dschevigny joined the Free French forces in June, 1940, and became chief of staff to General Catroux.

The Times diplomatic correspondent says the four Allied Governments in London informed the French leaders that they recognise the title of “Provisional Government of the French Republic.’’ The Polish decision was made known verbally to General de Gaulle by President Rackiewicz, who is sending formal notification by. letter. The Czech, Belgian, and Luxemburg Foreign Ministers to-day presented letters of recognition to the provisional Government's representative with the Allied Governments. The Czech Minister stated that his Government was pleased to see in the new title a more precise description of “ the situation which already exists." The Belgian Minister referred to the Provisional Government as “an organisation qualified to ensure French participation in the war effort and the defence of French interests.”

The Luxemburg letter was similarly worded.