BORDEAUX GOVERNMENT REPUDIATED

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 5

BORDEAUX GOVERNMENT REPUDIATED

(United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 25, 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 24. Declaring that the Bordeaux Government had capitulated to the Germans before exhausting all means of resistance, General Charles de Gaulle today in London formed a French National Committee, which will mobilize all available Frenchmen to continue the fight for freedom. General de Gaulle was M. Paul Reynaud’s personal assistant in the French Ministry of War. The Bordeaux Government has replied by stripping General de Gaulle of his rank in the French Army.

After General de Gaulle’s Broadcast the following broadcast was made in French: “The British Government finds that the Armistice has reduced the Bordeaux Government to complete subjection to the enemy. Britain therefore, no longer regards the Bordeaux Government as the Government of an independent country. The British Government recognizes the French National Committee and will deal with it in all matters concerning the prosecution of the war while it continues to represent all French elements and is resolved to fight the common enemy.”

The French Cabinet has relieved General de Gaulle of his command because of his broadcast from London. It is officially stated that General de Gaulle will be courtmartialled and charged with refusing to return to his post and addressing an appeal to French soldiers from foreign territory.

The British Prime Minister (Mr Winston Churchill) is expected to make a further statement on the German peace terms in the House of Commons tomorrow. He has already expressed the grief and amazement with which the news of the armistice was received and his remarks have been echoed throughout the world.