POISONING OF FRANCE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21160, 9 July 1940, Page 4

POISONING OF FRANCE

Germany’s next move, and probably a condition precedent to an attack on Britain, is to attempt to destroy all friendly relations between France and Britain, and if possible to make France a definite enemy of her former ally. Unfortunately, the necessity of securing the French fleet has given the separation policy a fresh lease of life. German propaganda is working feverishly at the task and is offering all sorts of inducements to the French to turn away from Britain. To Britain, many of the efforts are transparently consciousless, but it is doubtful whether Frenchmen in their present position can see through them so clearly. Germany and Italy have both agreed to “release” France from her obligation under the armistice terms to deliver the French fleet for “demobilisation.” The propagandists close their eyes to the fact that France no longer has the power to comply. The danger is that this show of cheap magnanimity may have some effect on the French people, who may be disposed to regard it as a real concession rather than as a mere sop to delude them into the belief that the Germans are not so harsh after all. Base lies concerning British actions are being circulated in France and abroad with the object of inflaming hatred against the British, and the Bordeaux Government is being made the pathetically foolish mouthpiece of German propaganda aimed at destroying all thought of sympathy between the Allies. Germany sees a chance of realising her boast of smashing the ties that bound France and Britain.

The French Foreign Minister, M. Baudouin, in a statement which would require the approval of his German masters, and perhaps was dictated by them, said : “I have informed the United States Ambassador that France is not anti-American. Nothing can break the friendship between France and America, but the ancient ties with Britain are severed.” It cannot be forgotten that the French Government only a few weeks ago gave even more emphatic assurances to Britain. Here is seen the German desire to turn not only France but the United States as well against Britain. M. Baudouin is going back into past history to show that Britain dragged France unwillingly into entanglements that led to the war. His arguments are too blatantly flavoured by German propaganda to carry conviction in Britain or the United States. To reply to the Bordeaux Government is to reply to Hitler.