The Gaullist Manifesto
Almost simultaneously a statement has been issued by General de Gaulle defining the aims and intentions of the Free French movement. The statement represents an agreement reached by the French National Committee between many different schools of political thought and, what is of considerable importance, in con- junction with many underground anti-Government movements in France itself, and should help to clear up the doubts honestly felt by some of them regarding General de Gaulle's personal intentions. The statement combines alike the regime before the war and the regime since the capitulation ; and by objecting to the latter that it "glories in personal power," it by inference repudiates any suggestion of a dictatorship for General de Gaulle in turn. The programme, once the Germans are driven from France, is for a National Assembly, in whose election not only all Frenchmen but (a notable novelty this for France, and one whose political effects may be differently estimated) all French women will participate. 'The Assembly is to "decide in the full exercise of its authority what course the future of the country shall take." The manifesto naturally does not prejudge constitutional points, beyond insisting that there must be a "drastic internal reconstruction" aimed at giving a more real meaning to the old French ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity—freedom for every individual in thoughts, beliefs and actions, equality of opportunity in social life, and the equal respect of all by all. It also envisages in the international sphere a world organisation for solidarity and mutual help, and an eminent position for France within it. This manifesto, which has been read with sympathy by all friends of Free France, should render appreciable service in rallying more Frenchmen to its banner.
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