Evening star., 1942-11-11
Giraud Leadership
Expecfed 10 Win u. ).
Formal Recognition
New French Regime
In Africa Seen as
Potential Strong Ally
Py the Associated Press.

Potential Strong Ally
Py the Associated Press.
Appointment of Gen. Henri
Honore Giraud as leader of the
anti-German, anti-Vichy French
in North Africa was regarded in
authoritative quarters here today
as foreshadowing potentially
great political and diplomatic as
well as military consequences.
It was considered possible, al
though much depends on the
amount Of support which Gen.
Giraud is able to rally, that the Gre
alton of a new provisional French
government to which the United
States would give formal recognition
might be one of the ultimate results.
The primary reason for Gen.
Giraud's selection for North African
leadership unquestionably was mil
itary. The 63-year-old warrior. an
able general, an expert on North
Africa and the hero of six escapes
from German prison camps, is widely
known and greatly loved among
French soldiers and people alike.
More Popular Than De Gaulle.
For these reasons the Allied high
command is reported to have felt
that he, If any one, could weld into a
cohesive force the numerous anti
Vichy groups and individuals in
North Africa, not all OF, whom, it is
understood, have given their fullest
enthusiasm to the French National
Committee headed by Gen. Charles
de Gaulle in London.
The result of a successful con-
clusion for Gen. Giraud's Efforts
and authorities familiar with condi-
tions in North Africa predict he will
be eminently successful-would be
to make this force available to the
cause of the United Nations and
also to give the Allies a vast area
inhabitated by friendly, self-gov-
erning population from which to
press forward their military opera
tions against Nazi Europe.
French North Africa contains ap-
proximately 100000 people, ma
tives and French, among whom
there are many thousands of trained
soldiers, presently including some of
Vichy's finest troops. A friendly
attitude on the part of these people
would make the task of the Allied
armies in North Africa infinitely
easier than if they were subject to
prolonged harassment from a pop
ulation divided in its allegiances.
Political Potentialities.
Beyond these military gains ex-
pected from Gen. Giraud's leader
ship lie the political and diplomatic
implications of his appointment.
Perhaps the most delicate question
concerns the relationship between
him and Gen. De -Gaulle. On the
personal plane, it is said to be of
the best, as each man is reported
to have high admiration for the
other.
On the political plane, so far as
can be learned here, it is an open
question as to whether there is any
alliance, understanding or even close
liaison between the new French
leader in North Africa and the au-
thor and central figure of the Fight
ing French movement in London.
None of the American or Allied an
nouncements regarding the opera
tions in North Africa has reflected
any participation by Gen. De Gaulle
nor any connection between him
and Gen. Giraud.
Several significant facts which
have emerged from the confused
state of politics among the anti
Vichy French appear to bear on this
situation. One Is the belief gen.
orally accepted here that Gen. De
Gaulle has been unable to rally all
anti-Vichy French behind him. An
other is the fact that the French
National Committee has not at
tanned the status of a government
in-exile with the right to claim rep
resentation for all of its nationals.
A third is the fact that despite much
agitation on the subject the United
States has consistently refused to
take steps toward formal recogni-
ton of Gen. De Gaulle's organiza-
ton.
Recognition Is Expected.
The rupture Of United States re-
lations with Vichy has clarified the
diplomatic situation to the extent
that the American Government now
is in position to extend recognition
to q French government which in
the opinion Of the President and
State Department truly represents
the French people.
That such recognition will be ex-
tended readily when once the inde-
pendent French have created such q
government was indicated by Presi-
dent Roosevelt In statement Mon
day on the severance of diplomatic
relations between Washington and
Vichy.
Mr.. Roosevelt said that mo act OF
Hitler or Of any Of his puppets can
sever relations between the Ameri-
can people and the people Of
France"
What will constitute q French
govrnment capable Of winning the
formal recognition necessary to i'm
plement the President's declaration
Of friendship for the French people