SECRET DEFIANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 281, 10 March 1941, Page 6

SECRET DEFIANCE

NEW SPIRIT IN FRANCE MORE SUPPORT FOR DE GAULLE ! There are continuing signs 'of a revival of the national spirit of France, one new pointer being the appearance of a monthly news sheet called "Pantagruel," which was printed secretly in Paris right under the noses of the German invaders and circulated by post or passed from hand to hand. According to the French correspondent of' The Times the sheet actively supports General de Gaulle, leader of the Free French, although it is not connected with the Free French movement. Tts principal aim is to spread news given in the BBC broadcasts for the benefit of those unable to listen. "We are convinced that, through Britain's victory," declares Pajitagruel, "France will regain her lost provinces. We look forward fervently to her victory." The correspondent declares that followers of General de Gaulle are showing great activity, especially in occupied territory. Students are reported to be parading the streets in Paris, carrying long gaulles (poles) plainly indicating where their sympathies lie. ;Anti-British posters are torn down during blackouts, and numerous pamphlets are circulated, exhorting Frenchmen to rall3 r to dc- Gaulle. (Pantagruel A\*as the name given in France to a demon avliu provoked thirst, but its primitive sense appears to have been ''suffocation.") Signs of Inflation The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Mail reports the appearance of signs of inflation in France as the result of She desperate state of public finances. , The German army of occupation costs daily, and the Vichy Goverrmicnfc requires almost the sain?, figure to carry on the admhvstrniinn. F r ance is thus

faced with the necessity for providing between £5,000,000 and £6,000,000 daily, when foreign trade is disrupted, half the country occupied, and hundreds of factories working for the Germans. Consequently there is already a universal flight of currency. The French people, always dreading inflation, are now endeavouring to invest their ready money in goods. Many are buying motor . cars, although" it is impossible to obtain petrol, tyres, or even wheels. The buyers store the car, believing that, when peace comes, it will be possible to obtain petrol and tyres and sell the cars at greatly enhanced prices. This inflationary tendency is unlikely to enhance the regard in which the Germans are held, particularly among the thrifty peasants. • 1