WAR GUILT TRIAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1942, Page 4

WAR GUILT TRIAL

FRENCH MILITARY CHIEFS DENOUNCED BY DALADIER. IMMENSE MASS OF MATERIAL LEFT IN REAR. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) LONDON, February 22. Au agency message from Zurich quotes a document produced, by the prosecution at the Riom trial of French leaders. According to the document, France had 110 divisions in February, 1940. while Germany had 125 in September, 1939. By May, 1940, France had mobilised 115 divisions, and Germany 180, including 12 panzer divisions. The prosecution alleged that at the beginning of the war France had 2100 tanks against Germany’s 4800. By May 10, 1940, France had 3160 tanks, and Germany 8000. Other charges are that France was completely without mortars, anti-tank, anti-aircraft and heavy guns for the bombardment of fort, resses; also that there was a serious shortage of boots and blankets. M. Blum's counsel, M. Le Trocquer. read instructions which were issued to the Press in which it was stated that certain aspects of the trial should be emphasised and others should be omitted. “I protest most strongly,” he said, “against pressure being thus brought to bear.” M. Daladier’s counsel argued that a Court established in July, 1940, could not judge offences committed before then. He also claimed that the constitution of the Court was illegal. M. Daladier said that already, in the decisive year 1934, France was disarming, and she continued to do so in 193.5, when Germany was increasing her armaments. The Minister of War then used only part of his credits. “I took over the War Ministry in 1936,”

he said, “and after that France made as great an effort as possible. I will call testimony by high military leaders who never doubted the value of the French army. “Why was France defeated so quickly that the Germans were astonished? Why forbid determination of the responsibility of our military chiefs for defeat? They left unused an immense mass of material in the rear. Why were so many scattered tanks and so many arms in the rear when the battle was raging? Why am I refused access to documents which alone can reveal the causes of the disaster? Is this to ensure immunity for generals who capitulated in the midst of the fight? Is this trial in reality directed against the Republic? Vive la Republique. I have done my duty.” The Court adjourned and the accused returned to their cells.