Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-12-17
French North Africans
Aided Allies Greatly,
Roosevelt Declares
Joined Side Of Liberals.
He Says, in Releasing
DorIon's Statement

~ ~0JSs w NStSQSIVQ
DorIon's Statement
The people Of French North
Africa have accomplished much"
in support of the United Nations
war effort and have definitely
allied themselves on the side of
liberalism against all for which
the Axis stands" President Roose-
welt declared last night.
The Presidents brief statement
was issued in correction with a
declaration by Admiral Jean OAR
Ian calling on his fellow French
men for united effort to defeat
Germany and Italy and promising
that he would retire to private life
after helping to free France"
Mr.. Roosevelt made no further
comment on the status of Admiral
Darlan, who was chief of the Viclly
governments armed forces until he
cast his lot with the Allies after
the American occupation Of French
North Africa last month.
Secretary of State Hull. declarire
that we need all the help we can
obtain in winning the war. today
appealed for unified effort by all
persons and groups in sympathy with
the United Nations cause.
His appeal was construed as ap-
plying directly to Fighting French
forces and to other critics of ar
rangements under which Admiral
Darlan is cooperating with the
Allies In French North Africa.
Darlan Disclaims Ambition.
The arrangement under which
Admiral Darlan exercises authority
IN North Africa has been described
previously by the Presiden, as
temporary military expedient.
In disclaiming any personal am
billions. Admiral Darlan expressed
agreement with American policy
that the future leaders of France be
selected "by the French people them
selves and by no one else"
Mr.. Roosevelt said he had been
informed by 1t Gen. Dwight D. Els
enhower, commander in chief of the
Allied forces in North Africa, that
Admiral Darlan had made the dec
laration which was made public at
the White House and also issued by
the Admiral at a press conference
In Algiers.
Chairman Bloom OF the House
Foreign Affairs Committee COM
mented that I'VE should regard it
as a welcome statement" and SAY,
We're glad you're coming with us. :"
Text Of Statements.
The text OF Mr.. Roosevelt's state
ment and the accompanying Darlan
declaration, AS issued by the White
House follow:
Since November the people of
North Africa have accomplished
much in support of the war effort
Of the United Nations, and in doing
80 have definitely allied themselves
on the side of liberalism against all
for which the Axis stands in gov
eminent. am informed in this con-
nection by Gen. Eisenhower that
Admiral Darlan has made the fol-
lowing declaration;
French Africa, with the Allies,
must make the maximum military
effort for the defeat of Germany
and Italy. This will be accom-
plished by the unity OF all citizens.
regardless of their political or re-
ligious opinions. in an orderly and
cohesive fashion.
IL 1koro}aJ froy,, y,
and Italian restrictions. the French
authorities in Africa will adjust the
situation which has existed in &C
cordance with French national ira
ditions Once France and the
French empire is free from the Axis
yoke, the French people themselves
will decide freely the form of gov
eminent and national policy they
desire.
I'm actual accomplishment the
high commissioner has already
granted full and complete amnesty
to all against whom any action
had been taken because of sympathy
to the Allies. Certain of these have
been given important posts in the
IlS I1do IE-
stored to their proper ranks and
emoluments all army officers who
had been suspended from Office be-
cause of rendering aid to the Allies.
He is now organizing a body of
representative private citizens to
work with him in an advisory and
consultative capacity in carrying on
official business. Prisoners and in
ternees of the United Nations were
promptly released and their travel
to seaboard expedited.
The high commissioner has be-
gun the restoration Of rights to
those persons from whom these had
previously been taken because of
race Measures have been taken
to stop Immediately whatever per-
secution of the Jews may have re-
suited from the laws passed in
France under German pressure. His
announced purpose is to give just
treatment to all elements making
UP the complex North African pop
ulation to the end that all can
dwell and work together under laws
insuring mutual tolerance and re-
spect for rights.
There is little industrial devel-
opment in North Africa, and Vichy
laws prejudicial to labor unions had