Evening star., 1943-08-28

growing ont David Lawrence.
of the fact that for the duration
OF the war the Anglo American
military and naval commanders
may have concrete problems to
solve with local officials in vari-
Gus colonies or possessions now
under de facto rule. Russia has
none of these problems facing
her and no responsibilities in
that connection, so there was no
reason why Moscow shouldn't
have granted unqualified recog-
milton.
The fact that a caution or
reservation has been expressed
by the BritiSh-American state
ment does not signify that the
step is undertaken reluctantly or
half-heartedly. 1t merely is
realistic acceptance of the view
point of the military that there
may be situations arising in
Syria and in France itself when
invasion comes which may make
1t desirable for the military COM
msnd to be able to proceed with
out regard to perplexing political
considerations arising out of
French factionslism or the am
hitions of those who aspire to
civil Office in the new French Re-
public.
Serve as Trustees.
Also it must not be forgotten
, that the British and American
governments are custodians of
tens OF millions of dollars of
. French gold and other property,
? and it is essential that these
questions be handled with great
care so that American trustee
ship shall not produce repercus-
sions inside France itself. In
other words, America and Britain
have difficult questions yet to
wrestle with relating to the res
4, toration of a free government to
France and cannot therefore de-
= tach themselves completely and
turn over to a French committee
resident away from France itself
complete responsibility as vet,
especially when the French peo-
pie have not, and cannot under
present circumstances, express
themselves.
The Russian move is not in the
least frowned on here because the
gesture of complete recognition will
lend prestige to the De Gaulle-
Giraud setup and tend to put the
left wingers in France and elsewhere
behind the new French National
Committee, thus insuring for it g
backing which for many months
had been lacking when Gen. Giraud
alone was in power.
There is the added fact that
America and Britain do not wish te
place themselves in the position OF
having created "puppet govern
ment" such as the Axis powers have
been accustomed to setting uE
among the countries with which
they become associated.
Subject to Change
The limited recognition polio,
means plainly that the United
States and Britain are feeling theil
way. If the French National Com.
fnittee doesn't develop a tempera
mental streak and produce head.
aches for the military chieftains OF
the United States and Britain II
the midst of war operations, there
is every indication that before many
months have elapsed what is today
limited recognition will become un.
limited and conform to the norma
relationship that exists between
sovereign nations.
Strictly speaking, under thu
precedents of international law
recognition is not usually extended
to any government or group Of
faction unless it is in full military
possession of the region or area fol
which it seeks de facto recognition
The United States and Britain can.
not overlook the fact the entire
territory of France in Europe is ir
the hands of the enemy.
=, The problem of the exiled govern
ments Is not an easy one to solve
but in virtually all instances tht
so-called governments have retained
the rulers or the ministries which
were in office when the enemy in.
.vasion drove them from the seat o.
authority over the homeland.
The average person outside o
governmental circles has only
scant realization of the legal prob
lens and property complication.
which grow out of that simple wore
recognition" So while the stey
usually means gesture of genuine
friendship and sympathy-anc
there can be no doubt now tha
America and Britain intend thei
announcement of limited recogni
ton TO be so construed-it would b,
a mistake to assume that the view
points of Russia and the Unite,
States are any different, evel
though it is necessary for practica
reasons to use the word limited
for. it might be said, war purpose
only.
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