FIGHTING FRENCH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 307, 30 December 1942, Page 5

FIGHTING FRENCH

APPEAL BY_DE GAULLE AID OF GENERAL GIRAUD WELCOMED (Recd. 7.30 p.m.) Rugby, Dec. 28. General de Gaulle, in a broadcast to the French people to-night, welcomed the assistance of General Giraud. to whose military qualities he paid a warm tribute. He emphasised that France would remain one and indivisible, and said that France always wanted to win the war at the side of the Allies for the liberty and security of the world. France had intended to continue the light with her fleet, merchant nyvy and financial assets, but those wno were opposed to the sovereignty of the people had profited by the disorder of the defeat in the homeland to take command for a time, but that was only an episode which did not change the national will, and to-day it was known that the great mass of the French people approved and upheld those fighting against the Axis 1 . This national committee had been able to assemble little by’ little a great part of the French empire and important military forces to resist the enemy. It had als6 been able to secure from a great number of foreign powers guarantees concerning the integrity and independence of France. France never has been out of the war, and now General Giraud had begun to draw into combat the troops of North Africa, who had already obtained great successes. The union of the whole nation in war was not only merely desired, but would soon be realised. Washington endorsement of General Giraud’s selection is contained in a statement by Mr. Cordell Hull, who commented that General Giraud was a most fortunate choice, and he was sure he would receive enthusiastic commendation. Mr. Anthony’’ Eden had a lengthy talk with General de Gaulle, who maydelay his departure for his conference with Mr. Roosevelt, says the Daily Express. Negotiations for full co-operation between General de Gaulle and General Giraud are progressing satisfactorily, but it should not be assumed that all difficulties have been overcome. Many knotty problems remain, but Mr. Eden and Mr. Roosevelt are giving every help in the negotiations. Vichy radio announced that General Giraur had been deprived of his nationality. The radio added: “North African troops and civilians must not obey Giraud.”—B.O.W. SIMMERING DOWN EXCITEMENT OVER DEATH GF DARLAN (Special Correspondent—N.Z.P.A.) London, Dec. 28. The excitement over Admiral Darlan’s death has simmered down, and the initial uneasiness 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 over-riding issues are a 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 against Darlan was that he split growing French unity outside Europe, while the principle of the Allies cooperating with a former Quisling caused the gravest misgiving. These views persisted despite a realisation of General Eisenhower's decision to accept Darlan was based on military necessity and saved needless sacrifice. No such complicated atmosphere surrounds General Giraud, whose romantic record and implacable antiNazism inspires confidence in Britain, where his appointment is welcomed. It is hoped that he will reconcile all French patriotic elements. The view’ in London is that it is not helpful, but in fact dangerous, to speculate on the nature o f the new regime. That situation should be assessed on information coming from North Africa. PETAIN’S BROADCAST DENIES AUTHORITY TO GIRAUD (Recd. 8.30 p.m.) London, Dec. 28. Marshal Petain has refused General Giraud authority to act cn his behalf in North Africa. In a statement broadcast by Vichy radio Petain said: ' All the unworthy leaders who surrendered French Africa to the British and Americans , have claimed and are continuing to : claim that, they acted in accord with me, and even under my orders. 1 formally contradict these statements. I gave them orders to resist aggression. They had the means to do this. ' 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 the people think he was exercising legal power. It cannot be doubted that General Giraud hfis not legal authority. I refuse nirn. and also those placing themselves under his orders, the right to speak or act in my name. The German news agency says Petain has deprived Generals Ber- , geret and Barre of their nationality. FOR FRENCH WEST AFRICA c ALLIED AID ASSURED I ( (Recd. 11.30 p.m.) Rugby, Dec. 28. s Lieut.-General Fitzgerald, head of I the United States military mission to c Dakar, declared that United States 1 and Britain and their Allies would I give all possible military and economic aid to French West Africa for the building up of her defences. As to his mission to Dakar, he said he had come to study transport and defence measures, and gave an assurance as to the help of the Allied air, sea and land forces for the defence < of French West Africa.—B..O.W.