FREEDOM TO ATTACK THE ENEMY ANYWHERE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 120, 23 May 1941, Page 7

FREEDOM TO ATTACK THE ENEMY ANYWHERE

LONDON, May 22.

(Rec. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, May 22. In his speech in the House of Commons, Mr. Eden said: "It was announced in Vichy on May 14 that. Admiral Darlan's report on his visit to Herr Hitler had been unanimously approved by the Vichy Government, and that the effect of these deliberations would shortly be felt. On the following day Marshal Petain broadcast a short statement to the French people appealing for unquestioning acceptance of whatever results might issue from the negotiations between Admiral Darlan and the German Government.

''These negotiations have been described in Vichy as opening up a new phase in Franco-German collaboration of which there is no doubt that the action of the Vichy Government in allowing the Syrian aerodromes to be used by German aircraft is an example. Mr. Roosevelt has stated clearly his views on this new and sinister development in Vichy policy, and the United States Government has already taken certain preventive action in regard to French shipping in United States ports.

"In the confused and uneasy explanations which have been put out in Vichy it has been suggested that the policy of collaboration between Vichy and Germany is to be political and economic only, and it has been stated that Vichy hag no intention of attacking Britain, and still less the United States. These explanations cannot conceal that Vichy has embarked upon a course which must place the resources and territories of France

and her Empire increasingly at the disposal of the Power which is the enemy not only of France's former ally, but of France herself. The French people will, the British Government is sure, regard this policy as incompatible with the honour of France. Nor will they believe that the future of France and her Empire will be better served by surrendering them to Hitler's socalled new order than by resolutely maintaining and defending their independence until such time as the victorious Allies shall complete their liberation.

"Britain must, however, take account of the acts of Vichy. If the Vichy Government, in pursuance of its declared policy of collaboration with the enemy, takes action or permits action detrimental to our conduct of the war, or designed to assist the enemy's effort, we shall naturally hold ourselves free to attack the enemy wherever he may be found, and in so doing we shall no longer feel bound to draw any distinction between the occupied and unoccupied territory in the execution of our military plans.

"On August 7 Bx-itain assured General de Gaulle that it is Britain's determination, when victory is won, to secure the' full restoration and independence and greatness of France. It rests with the French people to determine whether they will play their part in assisting those who have continued the fight for the liberation of France or whether France henceforth will serve in the ranks of Germany's satellites."—B.O.W.

An important announcement was made by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, today on relations between Britain and Vichy. #

He said: "If the Vichy Government takes or permits action detrimental to our conduct of the war, or designed to assist the enemy's war effort, we shall naturally hold ourselves free to attack the enemy wherever he may be found, and in so doing- we shall no long-er feel bound to draw any distinction between occupied and unoccupied territory in the execution of our military plans."