DE. GAULLE’S POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26933, 19 November 1948, Page 5

DE. GAULLE’S POLICY

DEFENCE OF FREE WORLD DIVISION INTO THREE THEATRES N.Z.P.A.—Reuter— Copyright Rec. 8 p.m. PARIS, Nov. 17. The defence of the free world should be divided into three theatres, with one Power responsible for each, General de Gaulle told a press conference to-day. He suggested that France should be responsible for Europe and North Africa, Britain for the Middle East and East Africa, and the United States for the Far East.

There should be a governing committee above all to guide strategy. _ General de Gaulle, after criticising the British and American decision on the Ruhr (to return control of assets in Ruhr coal and steel industries to the Germans), said that it was the gravest decision of the twentieth century. He added; ‘‘We are told that if we refuse this policy the Marshall Plan will be put in question. We have lived for centuries without the Marshall Plan. I support the Marshall Plan on condition that it does not lead us to sacrifice, for the sake of immediate advantage, the fate of France and Europe.” General de Gaulle announced that the Rally of the French People would not install itself in the present Government and that any party members who took Government posts would no longer be party members.

The British United Press correspondent says that General de Gaulle accused Britain and the United States of restoring the German Reich, which he claimed would inevitably ally itself with Russia to attack the West.

“ The quickening pace of events,” to use his own phrase, was the reason why General de Gaulle held his press conference, says a later message. France and her interests were not being adequately defended by her present regime, the general declared, says the Paris correspondent of The Times, who states that General de Gaulle made it clear that in the event of his return to power he would be uncompromising over international questions in which he considered France’s interests were at stake. General de Gaulle spoke with immense zest and confidence, says the correspondent. His Government, he asserted, would not recognise the FivePower Western Union defence plan because it entrusted France’s defence to a non-French commander. “The day on which France has the regime which is fitted for her, she will not recognise all these trying things which people are hurrying to carry into effect,” he saiij. He would dissolve the Communist Party if it were proved that it was working for the benefit of a foreign nation threatening France. His party would also organise their own trade unions.