STILL AT ODDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1943, Page 3

STILL AT ODDS

FIGHTING FRENCH LEADERS “GREATEST CRISIS OF ALL” OVER REMOVAL OF PRO-VICHY OFFICERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, June 11. “The French Committee of National Liberation is in the throes of the greatest crisis since its foundation, ’ says the Algiers correspondent of the Columbia Broadcasting System. "A meeting arranged for today was suspended, pending a reply by General Giraud to a letter from General de Gaulle in which the latter demanded an assurance that pro-Vichy elements would be completely purged from the upper ranks of the French Army. General de Gaulle added that unless full guarantees were given that this purge would be carried out, it would be useless to pursue the conversations further.” The Algiers correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Agency says some of the French Army officers whom General de Gaulle wishes purged compel their men to swear allegiance to Petain. Others toast Petain in mess, in defiance of General Giraud’s orders. Another report says General de Gaulle, as alternate president of the committee, is threatening to resign over the Army reorganisation issue. He is also said to be strongly opposing General Giraud’s desire to become Defence Minister while retaining his position as French Commander-in-Chief. Reuter says the real, basic issue is who is to lead France. Neither side is giving way.