AUTHORITY TO GIRAUD REFUSED

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15237, 30 December 1942, Page 3

AUTHORITY TO GIRAUD REFUSED

ATTITUDE OF MARSHAL PET AIN United Press Assn. By Elect-uc Telegraoh—Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 28. Marshal Petain has refused General Giraud authority to act on his behalf in North Africa. In a statement broadcast by Vichy radio, Petain said: “All unworthy leaders who surrendered French Africa to the British and Americans have claimed and are contnuiug to claim that they acted in accord with me and even under my orders. J formally contradict these statements. 1 gave them orders to resist aggression. They had the means to do this but they have broken their word, forfeited their honour and sacrificed ** "the interests of France Darlan, because of his former Government position, was able to make tbe people think he was exercising legal power but it cannot be doubted that Giraud has not legal authority. I refuse hbrand also those placing themselves under his orders, the right to sjieak and act in my name. The German News Agency says Petain has deprived Generals Bergeret and Bar re of their nationality.