GROWING CONFIDENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 December 1942, Page 3

GROWING CONFIDENCE

IN NORTH AFRICAN OUTLOOK ' AS AFFECTED BY DARLAN’S DEATH. FAITH IN GENERAL GIRAUD. (Special P.A. Correspondent.) (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, December 28. The excitement caused by Admiral Darlan’s death has simmered down, and initial apprehensions that the political consequences might be unfavourable are giving way to confidence that a satisfactory outcome may be expected from the delicate negotiations now proceeding. It is emphasised that the over-riding issues are the successful conclusion of the North African campaign and the importance of welding all shades of French political opinion against the Nazis, particularly as the time is approaching when decisive military operations will be undertaken on the European mainland. One of the chief objections in Britain to Admiral Darlan was that he had split the growing French unity outside Europe, while

the manciple of the Allies co-operating with a former Quisling caused gravest misgiving. These views persisted, despite a realisation that General Eisenhower’s decision to accept Darlan was based on military necessity and saved a needless sacrifice of lives. No such complicated atmosphere surrounds General Giraud, whose lomantic record of implacable anti-Nazism inspires confidence in Britain, where his appointment is welcomed and it is hoped that he will reconcile all French patriotic elements. The view in London 'is that it is not helpful—in fact, is dangerous — .to speculate on the nature of the new regime, and that the situation should be assessed on the information coming from North Africa. VIGOROUS PATROLLING IN TUNISIAN FORWARD AREAS. SUCCESSFUL ALLIED AIR ATTACKS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) RUGBY, December 28. . A North African communique states: “Vigorous patrolling is being carried out in the forward areas. One patrol attacked an enemy detachment on the Medjez El Bab-Terbourba Road, inflicting casualties and capturing several prisoners. Enemy motor vehicles located on a farm, in the same general area, were shelled and «forced to retire. Another patrol drove off enemy units without loss. “Our fighter aircraft made sweeps over forward, areas yesterday. On Saturday night we bombed objectives behind the enemy lines. Heavy bombers yesterday attacked the harbour of Sousse. Ships, docks and warehouses were hit with satisfactory results. None of our aircraft is missing. , The crew of one of our bombers, reported missing after a raid on Bizerta on Saturdayj. is safe, the plane having landed in friendly territory, after shooting down an enemy fighter.” CAIRO REPORT LAND & AIR OPERATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) RUGBY, December 28. A Middle East joint communique states: “Yesterday our troops were in contact with the enemy in a wadi in the Bei-El Kebir area, 40 miles west of Sirte. “There were no important air operations over the battle area yesterday. The harbours of Tunis and Sousse were bombed on Saturday night. A Messerschmitt 109 was shot down and others wdre driven off when attempting to cross the coast of Malta yesterday. “There were no Allied air losses from the above operations.” GIRAUD DISOWNED ANNOUNCEMENT BY PETAIN. LONDON, December 28. A French radio station has issued a statement by Marshal Petain, in which he completely disowns General Giraud, and says the latter has no authority to act in his name. General de Gaulle, the Fighting French leader, had an interview with the Foreign Secretary, Mr Eden, today. The former French Cabinet Minister, M. Pierre Cot, said in Washington that an American should be appointed as High Commissioner of North Africa for the duration of the war, thereby conforming with international law and preventing the utilisation of a Fascist North African army after the war against the French people.