FREE FRENCHMEN

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 61, 21 February 1941, Page 7

FREE FRENCHMEN

Tahiti Party In New Zealand WELCOME TO VISITORS ' Stand Alongside General De Gaulle Men of the Free French Naval Forces in New Zealand were the guests of the New Zealand Government at a morning tea reception in Parliament Buildings on the 12th. The visitors to Wellington arrived from Papakura military camp by that morning’s Main Trunk express, and before the reception were taken for a motor drive to Paekakariki and back. There are 58 Free Frenchmen in the party. Seven of them are natives of Tahiti, and the remainder are Frenchmen who were serving on the French naval station there at the time of the collapse of France. The visitors were welcomed by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, who apologized for the unavoidable absence of the Prime ’Minister, Mr. Fraser, because of previously arranged appointments he had in the Manawatu. Mr. Nash’s remarks were translated into French by the president of the French Club, Dr. Marshall Macdonald, who also translated the reply in French by Petty-Officer M. Largeoi back into Eng-' lish. A hearty welcome to New Zealand was accorded the visitors by Mr. Nash. They were, he said, taking a stand alongside General de Gaulle.' who bad done such magnificent work on behalf of the French people. General de Gaulle had done remarkable things since the dark days that overtook France last year, and he was doing more wonderful thing in Africa today. Millions of men and women in France were determined to fight on for the democratic principles of liberty and freedom for which the British Commonwealth was lighting. The Minister wished the visitors good luck in the part they were taking in the fight against the menace of Hitlerism. Appreciation of Mr. Nash's remarks was expressed by Petty Officer Largeot on behalf of the members' of the party. lie said that they were having an enjoyable time in New Zealand, and were very grateful for the many kindnesses extended to them in this country. Monsieur M. S. Arnaud said that French people living in New Zealand had received the greatest kindness from all the citizens of .the Dominion during their troubles of the last few months. Kind words of encouragement which had been uttered by the Prime Minister had been a great comfort and encouragement to them. The gathering concluded with the singing of “The Marseillaise” and the National Anthem. The visitors were accompanied on their motor trip. to Paekakariki by Monsieur Arnaud. Monsieur G. Jorion. Professor Boyd Wilson, Dr. A. C. Keys, and Dr. R. A. Lochore.