The Administration of France
' When Allied armies of liberation enter France and gradually drive the Germans from territory they have occupied, it will be of the greatest importance that a satisfactory administration should be built up in the rear of our troops. Such an administration must, as soon as possible, be a French one, and it was obviously desirable that the French Committee of National Liberation should make plans in advance—plans which can be put into effect in complete understanding between the French and the rest of the Allies. Obviously such full understanding is essential. General Eisenhower will be in command of the Allied military forces, and during the period in which they arc actively engaged with the enemy military security must be the first consideration, and all others must yield to it. Such security will be the more easily maintained if the French are ready with an organisation acceptable to the people for taking over civil government in the rear. But there are obscurities in the proposals published by the French Committee for the establishment of civilian and military authorities to operate in France immediately the Allied landings take place. These have been communicated to the Allied Governments, but rest upon a number of recent ordinances which have not been revealed to them, and these may have a bearing on coming military operations. It is absolutely essential that the Allies, responsible as they will be for the safety of their armies, should be taken completely into the confidence of the Com- mittee to ensure that measures contemplated are compatible with military plans. The Allies on the other hand could do much to increase confidence by giving the French Committee full diplomatic recognition. With the accession of two Communist members—not as individuals but as representatives of the party—the Committee covers a wider range, from Right to Left, than any French Govern- ment ever has. No more could be asked of it.
