DARLAN’S AIMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 December 1942, Page 3

DARLAN’S AIMS

STATEMENT TO ALLIED CORRESPONDENTS WANTS TO SAVE FRANCE AND THEN RETIRE INTO PRIVATE LIFE. SAYS HE HAD TO CO-OPERATE | WITH GERMANY. (By Telegraph—(Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, December 16. Tn a statement macle Io British ami American correspondents in North Africa, Admiral Darlan said: “I seek no assistance or support for personal ambitions. My sole purpose* is to save French Africa and help to free France, and then retire to a private life with the hope that the. future'leaders of France may be selected by the French people and by no one else.” Admiral Darlan added: “Co-opera-tion with the Germans was forced on me. They had me by the throat. Every move I made, everything I said, and everyone I talked with came under the closest German scrutiny. They were round me all the time.” Admiral Darlan claimed that his purpose had been to protect France against more severe repressive mea sures by the Germans. After the interview Darlan was submitted written questions by the Associated Press of America. Asked whether he planned to use the French warships left in Dakar, Alexandria, and North Africa against the Axis, Darlan replied: “Yes, definitely.” FRENCH PEOPLE WILL DETERMINE THEIR FORM OF GOVERNMENT. MAXIMUM MILITARY EFFORT MEANTIME. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, December 16. A statement by Admiral Darlan which is quoted by the headquarters in the European theatre of operations of the United States Army reads: — “French Africa, with the Allies, must make the maximum military effort for the defeat'of Germany and Italy. This will be accomplished by unity of all citizens, regardless of political and religious opinions, in an orderly and cohesive fashion. At last liberated from German and Italian restrictions, the French authorities in Africa will adjust, in accordance with French national traditions, the situation which has existed. “Once France and the French Empire are free of this yoke the French people themselves will decide freely the form the Government and national policy they desire. “The High Commissioner has already granted a full amnesty to all against whom any action had been taken because of sympathy to the Allies. Certain of these held very important posts in the high commissariat. He has. restored to the proper ranks and emoluments all army officers who were suspended for rendering aid to the Allies. He is now organising a body of representative private citizens to work with him in an advisory and consultative capacity in carrying on official business. Prisoners and internees of the United Nations were promptly released and their removal to the seaboard expedited., “The High Commissioner has begun the restoration of rights to persons from whom those were previously taken because of their race. Measures have been taken to cease immediately whatever persecution of Jews may have resulted from the laws passed in France under German pressure. 'The announced purpose is to give just treatment to all elements making up the complete North African population, to the end that all can dwell and work together under laws ensuring mutual tolerance and respect for rights. "There is little industrial development in North Africa, and the Vichy laws prejudicial to labour unions have had little application. All reports show that there are no serious problems here. The censorship of Press and radio, in which the Allied authorities participate, is only that necessary for security of military operations. “On the practical military side General Giraud has conducted the most active participation of the armed forces of North and North-west Africa in the Allied war effort. Units of substantial size, under the leadership of General Giraud, are fighting side by side with the United Nations in Tunisia against the Germans and Italians. All postal and airfield facilities, including the services of officials and technicians, have been made freely available for use by the Allies. North African shipping is already entering the service of the Alliednations.”