FRENCH AFRICA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21205, 30 August 1940, Page 8

FRENCH AFRICA

PART PLAYED IN WAR GREAT IMPORTANCE TO WORLD OPPOSITION TO DICTATORS (Ofllclal Wireless) (Received August 30, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 29 The Manchester Guardian, discussing the future of Africa in relation to the decision of Chad to adhere to General de Gaulle, says:— “ This unit of French Equatorial Africa, with 1,500,000 American inhabitants and a small European population, holds a modest place in the great structure of French Africa, with its population of over 40,000,000, but this decision of a few resolute men may have great consequences, for the part which the French Empire will play in the war is one of the unknown quantities in the confused prospect.”

Referring to the future of this French Empire, the Manchester Guardian says:

“ It is a matter of great importance to the world. What would happen to it if the dictators won is clear to everybody. It is so clear to all the Moslem world that all grievances against the French have been put aside now that this danger is in sight. The dictators had hoped that their discontent could be turned to advantage by the enemies of France. “If the dictators are defeated there is every hope that the liberal elements of the French Empire will be strengthened. If the dictators should win the outlook would be deplorable. If they took over the wohle French Empire of 60,000,000 or 70,0000,000 human beings would fall under the rule of the Gestapo and similar institutions. Nazis' Racial Mania “ The Empire, which is now ruled by men who are held up to scorn by the Nazis for their sympathy with men of a different colour, would be governed by men whose racial mania admits no ties between European and African. The French Republic regarded every African as a potential Frenchman. The Nazis regard him, in Hitler’s own words in ‘ Mein Kampf,' as bom half-ape. 44 Victory for Britain will make it possible to take a great step forward in improving the relations of Europe and Africa. Victory for the dictators would throw Africa back into the Dark Age of racial brutality.” ENEMY SHIPPING CLAIMS COMMITTEE IN BRITAIN ANNOUNCEMENT BY BOARD (Official Wireless) (Received August 30, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, August 29 The Board of Trade announces that an Enemy Shipping Claims Committee has been set up for the dual purpose cf enforcing claims against enemies who, are owners or charterers of ships and against enemy ships and of obtaining the release of cargoes on enemy ships except British-owned cargoes in German ships lying in neutral ports, the release of which, as hitherto, will be attempted through the London Chamber of Commerce. The term “enemy” here includes all persons carrying on business in all German-occupied territories, as well as Germany and Italy.