STATUS OF NEW FRENCH BODY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23966, 5 June 1943, Page 5

STATUS OF NEW FRENCH BODY

ALLIED MINISTERS’ STATEMENT “NO QUESTION OF DE JURE RECOGNITION” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.)* LONDON, June 4. • The diplomatic position arising from the formation of the French Committee of National Liberation was outlined by Mr Harold Macmillan, British Minister of State, and Mr R. D. Murphy, United States Consul-General, says the Algiers correspondent of “The Times.” They again emphasised that up to the present all meetings between the French leaders had been informal, and it .would be for the Allied Governments to decide, in the light of many precedents, what degree of recognition would be accorded the new committee. “It must be made clear that the meetings were between two de facto authorities, without juridical basis, who were trying to comtyhie into one which would be equally de facto," said the Ministers. “Until the whole of the French people are able to express their will by constitutional and free channels, there is no question of according de jure recognition to any French authority while free expression of opinion is denied the people of France.” Reuter’s Algiers correspondent says: “Though military problems are the first consideration, the new French government is faced with many economic matters affecting the administration of the large native population of North Africa. On long-term problems the government must consider: (1) the organisation of the administration on a sufficiently wide basis to include all sections working inside and outside France for the liberation of the Motherland; (2) the future life and organisation of the administration once the Allied armies set foot on France’s soil;' (3) the post-war claims and requirements of France and her Empire. “A vital problem is that of civilian and military status, a complete divorce between which is demanded by France’s whole Republican tradition. General Giraud, combining civil and military authority in himself, found compromise on this basic principle to be the best medium tot the government of French North Africa, but the de Gaulle delegation has vigorously opposed this principle, even to the extent of declaring that their leader is acting in a civilian capacity. in spite of his military rank. “M. Massigli, a member of the new committee, has informed the British and American Ministers in Algiers that the committee pledges itself to help the Allies in the war effort against the Japanese.’’ ■

RESISTANCE OF JUGOSLAVS

GERMAN EXPEDITION ROUTED (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, June 3. A German punitive expedition totalling 5000, sent against the Jugoslav patriots operating south of Belgrade, has been completely routed, reports the diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph.” The German commander (Colonel Heitzel) and several other high-ranking officers were killed. The fifth Axis campaign against the patriots is nearing its peak, but the Jugoslav Government ini London reports that the patriots are launching counter-attacks in widely-separated areas. The Axis is concentrating on keeping open the precious line of communication linking Belgrade with the Greek and Black Sea ports, but the Serbians are not relaxing their fighting and sabotage. The fourth Axis campaign, in which four German and six Italian divisions participated, was completely unsuccessful. Fighting lasted two . months, the enemy suffering heavy losses, including 8000 dead in one sector. Two Italian divisions elsewhere were also completely routed.

AUSTRALIA AND POLAND

COMMENT BY BERLIN RADIO (Special Australian Corresp., N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 8 p.m.) SYDNEY. June 4. Germany is scornful of Australia’s decision to look after Polish interests in Russia while the diplomatic break between Moscow and the Polish Government in London continues. According to the Berlin radio, Australians are profoundly ignorant of Poland. “Ninety-five per cent, of the British people confuse Australia with Australasia,” said the announcer. "In just the same way Australians generally confuse’Poland with polar regions. The Australian Minister to Moscow is a Mr Slater. This unfortunate man speaks neither Russian nor French but only Australian English which is difficult to understand for the few Russians who speak English English.” (It was announced last month that Mr Slater, who was then in Egypt after an illness, was returning to Australia on medical advice.)

FROM ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA

LANCASTER BOMBER’S FLIGHT (Rec. 10 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 4. One of Britain’s new giant fourengined bombers, the Avro-Lancaster, has arrived in Australia. It was flown by a famous Royal Australian Air Force “Pathfinder” crew, captained by Flight Lieutenant P. S. Isaacson. This crew made many hazardous longdistance flights over Axis targets. The Lancaster has been flown to Australia by way of the Atlantic. Canada, and the Pacific. This is the first occasion on which an aircraft has been flown by one crew over this route. As passengers, the Lancaster carried the Royal Air Force’s controller of repair and overseas supplies (Lord Burghley) and Group Captain C. B. Wincott, of the British Air Mission to Washington. Lord Burghley was a former Olympic 120 yards hurdles champion. Group Captain Wincott was in Australia some years ago on loan from the Royal Air Force, and was in charge of a fleet co-operation flight. "The presence of this Lancaster, and its crew, and passengers in Australia should stimulate interest in the war effort,” said the Prime Minister (Mr J. Curtin), announcing the aeroplane’s arrival. “It will also serve to emphasise the miracle of Britain’s recovery from a defensive to an offensive role in the war against aggression.” After its tour of Australia, the Lancaster will visit New Zealand. , PAY-AS-YOU-GO INCOME TAX BILL (Rec. 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON. June 3. The House of Representatives and the Senate have approved of a pay-as-you-go income tax bill, which is expected to receive the President’s signature without delay. The bill provides for a 20 per cent, deduction from the taxable part of all wages and salaries, beginning from July 1 and also cancels 75 per cent, of the 1942 tax liability of the majority of taxpayers. Taxes already paid in the current year against 1942 income tax would be applied in satisfaction of taxes for the first half of 1943.