DE GAULLE’S VISIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25564, 17 June 1944, Page 5

DE GAULLE’S VISIT

OFFICIAL STATEMENT MOVING DEMONSTRATIONS RUGBY, June 15. The French authorities in London tonight issued a statement on General de Gaulle’s, visit to Normandy yesterday. He is accompanied by M. Vienot, Generals Berhouart and Koenig, Admiral Dargelieu, M. Palewski, and M. de Courcel, Colonels Sillotte and de Boislambert,. and Captain Teyssot. Immediately after landing on French soil he visited General Montgomery, with whom he had a long interview, and who explained the latest military developments. Afterwards General de Gaulle, who is described in the statement as President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, went to Bayeux, where he was received by M. Coulet, Commissioner of the Republic for Normandy, and Colonel de Chevigne, commanding the liberated parts of the third military region. With them were the sub-pre-fect, the Mayor, and the municipal councillors of Bayeux. He crossed the town on foot amid an indescribably moved and enthusiastic population, who had been overwhelmed by this unexpected arrival. He also received Monsignor Picot, Archbishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, and the local leaders of resistance.

Afterwards he visited Isigny, which had suffered particularly. The population gave him a most moving demonstration of courage and devotion. Grandchamp and several other placesgreeted him in the same atmosphere of immense fervour. The statement concludes: “Tho head of the Provisional Government left everywhere first instructions regarding the resumption of civil administration, organisation of supplies, and public assistance.” General de Gaulle is expected to leave London soon for Algiers, where he may address the Consultative Assembly at the opening of the new session next week. His visit to Washington has been scheduled for July, but the exact date has not yet been fixed.