DECISIVE BATTLE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 161, 7 June 1940, Page 7

DECISIVE BATTLE

FRENCH CONFIDENT. 'HUGE TOLL OF TANKS. INSPIRING MESSAGE.. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. 1 Received June 7, 11.5 a.m. ; PARIS, June 6. ' “Eacfi time I fiave- broadcast since tlie outbreak of the war I fiave fiad bad news,” said tfie Premier (M. Reynaud),' in a broadcast. “To-day, at a tim,e which is still grave, I have come to give you reasons for hope. General Weygand has told me, ‘I am satisfied with tfie manner in which tfie battle began and in which tfie orders to resist at any price are being carried out.’

“The French in 1940 have only one thought, namely, to save France,” the Premier added. “Let all spectators of this battle for France understand, and understand quickly,. that we are more than ever confident of our arms. Hundreds and of enemy tanks have been destroyed since the Germans launched their offensive yesterday.” M. Reynaud ridiculed the claims that the German successes had smashed the Allied morale. He praised the evacuation from Dunkirk, and added : “Every French village and town attacked will find an answer in a German village and town likewise attacked. “The battle in June, 1940, may decide the fate of the world for hundreds of years. The regime of aggression will disappear for ever. The German dreams to control Europe are going to disappear under the French resistance. France to-day is calm and united. Every country in Europe has a common interest —to avoid German rule.” CABINET RECONSTRUCTION. The Government has resigned and President Lebrun has entrusted M. Reynaud with its reconstruction. M. Daladier is no longer in the Cabinet. It is officially announced that M. Reynaud, ,in reconstituting the Government, has taken over the portiolio of Foreign Affairs in addition to the Premiership and National Defence. M. Bouthiller becomes Minister of Finance; M. Prouvost, who is the. proprietor of tho Paris Soil - , Minister of Information; M. Frossard, Public Works .Minister; and M, Delbos, Minister of Education. A notable feature of the changes, is the formation of a new post called the Ministry of the French Family, which includes the health portfolio and which takes over the responsibility of refugees. FURTHER APPOINTMENTS. Louis Marin and Jean Barnegaray have been appointed members of the Cabinet without portfolio, and Paul Vaudoin, Secretary of the War Cabinet and also Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A London report says that no explanation is yet available regarding the French Cabinet changes. Paris briefly states that M. Reynaud lias completed a reshuffle and has appointed M. Chichery Minister of Commerce. He is the leader .of the Radical group in tho Chambei. A Romo message says tilt Stefani Agency states that the political significance of M. Reynaud’s reshuffle lies in the exclusion of M. Daladier. The. agency adds that France has waited too long to free herself of a man whose diplomatic and political activities have been disastrous to his own: country.