Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-12-25

tested bitterly against British in
vasion Of Madagascar.
His turn to an ardent support of
the Allies was even more abrupt
than his shift in the opposite direc-
ton.
Captured by Allies.
Caught in North Africa by the
surprise American and British in
vasion. he was captured in Algiers.
He Immediately announced ap-
proval of the capitulation of Algiers.
On November II he ordered
French forces to cease resistance to
the Allies in Algeria and Morocco,
claiming that in so doing he was
carrying out the mandate of Marshal
Petain. He said the aged Chief of
State was virtual German prisoner
and no longer able to give voice to
his own thoughts.
Admiral Darlan assumed RESPONSE
bility for all French affairs in North
Africa November Is, and assumed
the title of Chief of State for that
territory December l.
Since the order to cease fire in
Algeria, Admiral Darlan had been
moving progressively further into
the Allied camp in an atmosphere
of opposition from Fighting French
forces and certain elements in
Britain and the United States.
Open opposition from the De
Gaulle Fighting French forces be-
came apparent November IT, the
same day that President Roosevelt
made it clear that any arrangement
with him in Africa was temporary"
Also on that day, we'll under two
years from the date when he became
the real head of the Vichy French
regime as Petain's heir. he lost that
post to Laval. Ten days later, on
November q, he lost even his French
nationality by decree Of the Laval
government.
Admiral Darlan appeared as fig
ure in world events most prom
inently in the last month of his life.
as the originator of gestures Of
peace toward the De Gaulle forces,
urging unity of all French forces
fighting the Axis and denying any
personal ambitions.
Perhaps the best statement Of
Admiral Darlan's position before
and Immediately after the American
operations began in North Africa
was given in an exclusive interview
granted by the admiral to Yves Gal
lagher, Associated Press war COR
respondent in North Africa, Deem
Der II.
Mr.. Gallagher asked him this
double question:
'Is it Mr. Darlan's intention to
hold North Africa in trust for Mar
shall Petain? In other words. Is the
imperial council with Mr.. Darlan
at its head a permanent govern
ment or does Mr.. Darlan plan to
step aside for Marshal Petain when
France is free again?"
To these Admiral Darlan wrote
this answer:
II consider the high commits
sioner's part is to represent French
interests as long as France is I'M
able to express freely her opinion
that is to say, to give herself the
government she chooses"
In conclusion, he was asked
would Mr.. Darlan like ITO give any
explanation of his change of views
as expressed few weeks ago con-
trasting with his present position on
the side Of the Allies?"
He replied:
"The aim of all that I did while In
the French cabinet was to keep
within due limits the power Ger
many had gained over France and to
save all that could be saved in my
unfortunate country and its empire
No Frenchman worth that name,
and I, in the first place, could will
ingly submit to German oppression.
GAS long as the Allied nations
were not ready to help France in
resuming the struggle T tried, sad
and resigned, to prevent France
from dying under the German heel.
when the Allied forces landed in
North Africa I carried on the orders
had received to keep Frances
word, which latter had prevented for
% months Axis forces from coming
to French Africa.
Il gave the cease-fighting order
as soon as possible. Being disavowed
by Vichy, committed myself to the
American military authorities so
that should not cause more French
and Allied blood to be shed. Then,
when Germany broke the armistice,
I considered I could once more act
freely"
II