DARLAN’S POSITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1942, Page 4

DARLAN’S POSITION

CAUSING PERPLEXITY IN LONDON GRANTING OF STATUS QUESTIONED ENMITY TO THE ALLIES RECALLED. BRITISH & AMERICAN AIMS. (Special P.A. Correspondent.) (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, November 16. Admiral Darlan's position in relation to the Allies is causing some perplexity. Officially there is a disinclination to discuss Admiral Darlan or the political implication of the new situation. u The Times" diplomatic correspond-, ent says light might be thrown on the situation by a fuller explanation from Washington or by General Eisenhower. “As a matter of plain reporting,” the correspondent adds, “it must' be said that few people at present like granting a status to a man who publicly and often proclaimed the need to collaborate with the enemies of Britain, America and France itself. No doubt the status is only temporary, for if it were anything more care would have to be taken lest bewilderment should grow in France (where Admiral Darlan for a long period has been the second most disliked man) and other occupied countries. A temporary status might have its uses in expediting, the- broad armistice which all the Allies desire, leading to establishing a solid authority.” The “Manchester Guardian’s” diplomatic correspondent comments that the United States practice to France has been different from. Britain’s though both aim to restore France. America recognised the French authority where it existed, both Vichy and the Fighting French, whereas Britain had' no relations with Vichy but recognised General De Gaulle and his Fighting French. Americans may be considering that they are helping to establish a newer and bigger French Government in North Africa. Meanwhile political advisers have arrivedat Allied Headquarters in North Africa from Britain.