The Waikato Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1940 FUTURE OF FRENCH COLONIES

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21204, 29 August 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 1940 FUTURE OF FRENCH COLONIES

The announcement that the French Equatorial African territory of Chad has decided to throw in its lot with General de Gaulle’s Free France in association with the British Empire revives the hope that other French possessions may yet break away from the Petain Government and remain faithful to the Allied cause. In itself Chad may not be an important addition to the Empire’s war strength, but the decision is indicative of the feeling of free Frenchmen and an earnest of the possibility of developments in the French colonial empire. Adjoining Libya and Egyptian Sudan, the territory is of some strategical importance, with a population of over a million, mostly natives. Its people have seen the folly of allowing themselves to drift into enemy hands and become “something more than noncombatants.” If these people decide to fight for freedom there is a chance that other French colonies of far greater importance will follow their lead, though in certain areas such as French Somaliland it is probably too late. Certainly Indo-China, perhaps Algeria, and territories on the west coast of Africa still have the opportunity, however, and their combined strength and influence would not be negligible. General de Gaulle says he has good authority for believing that other colonies will follow Chad’s example. While overseas France survives, the nation is not dead, and a fight for existence by the colonies must have a profound effect upon the people of metropolitan France.

Britain naturally welcomes the decision. Mr Churchill has announced that the colony will be protected economically and assisted financially in accordance with the scheme for assistance to British colonies. It may be taken for granted that every other French colony that similarly falls into line will receive every possible encouragement and assistance from Britain. It is becoming increasingly apparent that overseas France has nothing to lose but everything to gain by continuing to fight by the side of Britain, and it is remarkable that the colonies have hesitated even so long. l£ is perhaps understandable, however, that a decision has been difficult to reach in the face of orders from the home Government to surrender. Impossible as it might once have seemed, the proud French nation has been reduced to such a position that it is depending upon its overseas colonies and upon Britain for its deliverance from servitude to an enemy. When the war is over and the enslaved countries are set free, what will be the relations between France and her colonies ? The position will at least be embarrassing, but it is safe to say that any awkwardness will be lost in the joy of the reunion. In the meantime it is certain that Germany will bring pressure to bear on Petain to force the French colonies into subjection, and their decision may not long be delayed. Lack of access is Germany’s difficulty, and threats should not have the desired effect, for the reason that they must remain merely threats while Britain commands the seas.