What the French Need

Last week the chief of TIME'S London staff found a compelling -- and unusual --reason for granting General de Gaulle immediate, complete recognition. Cabled Correspondent Walter Graebner: "In recent weeks we have talked with a number of well-placed people of different nationalities. Regardless of their politics or of their opinion of De Gaulle as a person, all agree--as they never have before -- that in the light of coming events it is of utmost importance for Messrs. Roosevelt and Churchill to permit General Eisenhower to work out arrangements now whereby De Gaulle's organization will be exclusively responsible for civil administration inside France when the liberation begins. Unless orders are changed, Eisenhower will be instructed on what to do when the forces land--not on what to do before the forces land. If Allied policy remains indefinite, there is real danger of civilian chaos during the liberation period.

"Even those who have been most critical of De Gaulle the man, those who fear that De Gaulle has undemocratic ambitions, see that there is no way out but to accept him and his organization as A Necessary Expedient. It is as plain as day that the more De Gaulle is opposed and ignored by the Anglo-Americans, the more unbending and unyielding De Gaulle & Co. become, and the more of a symbol he becomes in France. Almost everyone agrees that if Roosevelt tempered his obstinacy on the question of De Gaulle, the chances for a successful liberation of France would be considerably improved. It is Roosevelt much more than Churchill who has remained stubborn about De Gaulle, but out of loyalty Churchill has supported the President.

"Very few people in high places think that there is much to fear from De Gaulle, no matter what his ambitions may be. Even those who consider him dangerous say by all means play ball with him so that his power does not grow. The French, these people say, will be able to keep De Gaulle in check--but only after the Allies extend their hand to him and his organization."

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.