THE LOOKER-ON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 March 1943, Page 4

THE LOOKER-ON

WHAT THE SWISS PRESS SEES IN FRANCE CRUSHING YOKE IMPOSED BY NAZIS. DETERMINED OPPOSITION TO “COLLABORATION.” Swiss testimony on the subject of what is happening is of particular value, an overseas writer observed recently, Switzerland being so close a neighbour of France. The Swiss Press is highly developed, and what Swiss writers have to say about a country they know so well, whose language they almost all speak, is worthy of attention. The “Gazette de Lausanne” says: “The occupation inflicts increasing sufferings on France. Distress spreads from one class to another. The yoke is crushing. The slightest disobedience is punished with deportation or death. Hostages are executed without knowledge of why they must pay with their lives for acts of which they are ignorant. The cleft between France and her victors widens daily. And yet Germany wants the French army to fight side by side with the Axis armies. It is interesting to see victorious Germany approaching France and asking her support.” THE MARSHAL DISOWNED, The “Democrate” says: —“American landings in North Africa have given birth everywhere in France to the greatest hopes. Although unable to express their real feelings, the immense majority of Frenchmen wish full success to the American enterprise. Resistance to the government is developing even where a few weeks ago people were lined up behind the Marshal. One frequently hears, especially among workers, observations revealing a state of tension, while in the Occupied zone, since the introduction of the prisoners’ relief, 100 per cent, of the officials and even the police, employees workers, peasants, are opposed to all idea of collaboration. Giraud's flight created a sensation and caused stuperi faction in the Marshal’s entourage in in the circles around Laval.” “Volksrecht”, a German language newspaper, observes: —"French opposition consists in the Communists . . .and the Socialists, de Gaullists, Left Catholic, and Radical organisations extending throughout the country. The Communists and de Gaullists are at present the strongest and best organised. Their anti-German attitude unites the opposition, and the various organisations co-operate fairly smoothly. Communists and Socialists still have influence over the trade union, Kvhereas the de Gaullists number their chief supporters among the higher bureaucracy, officers and students . . . There are in addition wide circles equally opposed to Germany and Laval which have hitherto, for various reasons avoided any activity.” PARTY LINES IGNORED. The comments of the “Volksrecht” are confirmation that all classes are united against Germany, the most complete evidence of which was recently given when M. Bossolette and M. Valin, one a well-known member of the Left and the other of the Right Party in France, escaped and joined General de Gaulle on the same day. “Weltwoche,” a German language paper of Zurich, declares: “Giraud is worth more than an army corps for the Allies, especially to General de Gaulle’s movement.” Other Swiss papers comment the effect that the occupation of Algeiria may have on the food situation but there is a general note of confidence that the tide is beginning to turn, and Germans in their high-handed dealings with Switzerland have made no friends in that country. Switzerland is an ancient Republic, proud of its institutions and its freedom.