ITALIANS READY TO PARADE

Southland Times, Issue 24162, 26 June 1940, Page 5

ITALIANS READY TO PARADE

ENTRY INTO FRENCH RIVIERA

GENERAL DE GAULLE CONFIDENT

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received June 25, 9.30 p.m.) ROME, June 24. The Italian forces along the Mont Blanc and Mediterranean front are prepared to parade into the Nice and Savoy sectors at dawn as the firing ceased at 1.35 a.m., Italian summer time. General de Gaulle appealed to all Frenchmen to unite in order with their Allies to give freedom to the world and glory to their Fatherland. He insisted that capitulation existed only on paper. There were still forces of resistance in the French Empire which desired to save their honour and to carry on the war.

General de Gaulle, broadcasting to the French, said: “I just want to say, because somebody must say it, what shame and revulsion fills the hearts of good Frenchmen at the signing of the Franco-German and Franco-Italian armistices, which will deliver the French people to the enemy tied hand and foot. There are among us people beyond number who will not accept them and will not admit them. France is like a boxer who has been knocked out. She lies prostrate, but knows that her life is still deep and strong. She knows that this business is not ended and the cause is not lost. She knows and feels that she is worthy of something better than the slavery which the Bordeaux Government has accepted.” The exact constitution of the French National Committee depended on the arrival of certain important persons now going to England from France, said General de Gaulle. “I hope that M. Reynaud will come to England, because no doubt he would join the National Committee,” he said. AMBASSADOR WITHDRAWN The withdrawal of the British Ambassador, Sir Ronald Campbell, from Bordeaux was due to military not diplomatic reasons. Following the announcement by General Eugene Mittelhauser, the French general officer commanding in Syria, of the determination of the forces there to fight on, numerous tribal chieftains have telegraphed the French authorities offering their lives and properties. The 'High Commissioner for Syria has sent the following message: “In spite of the signature of the armistice, the French military and civil authorities in Syria do not waver and will not surrender.”

A high French officer at Beirut expressed a similar sentiment. He declared: “The battle for our Empire and the world war is just beginning.” An Italian communique says: The Italian-French armistice was signed at 7.15 p.m. (Italian summer time) on June 24 on the outskirts of Rome. Marshal Badoglio signed for Italy and General Huntziger for France. At 7.35 p.m. Count Ciano informed the Reich and consequently hostilities ceased at 1.35 am. (Italian summer time) on June 25. The armistice was signed after four hours’ discussion. The terms were not announced immediately.