French Hearts Beat

High

Celebration in Tahiti

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, July 14.

HERE, on June 18, the people of this French Colony celebrated the fourth anniversary of that day in 1940 when General de Gaulle, having repudiated the surrender of the Bordeaux Government, and escaped to Great Britain, called upon Free Frenchmen everywhere to continue the fight beside Britain against the Ger mans. There was a review of troops, and wreaths were laid upon the Soldiers’

Memorial.

The proceedings were marked by restraint and dignity. Only 10 days before, we had learned of the successful landing of the Allies in Normandy; but the people’s joy in witnessing at last the beginning of the liberation of France, was tempered by memories of four years of horror and sacrifice.

There is no doubt about the place that de Gaulle holds in the hearts of these French people. To them, he is the expres sion of the will of Fighting France—the France that shall not die. France has surprised the world many times in the past, by her quick and full recovery from disaster. This virile and enlightened nation will surprise the world again.

Our Governor, Colonel Georges Orselli, has returned from his mission to Algiers.

He brings news that is good and inspiring.

We learn, with pleasure and pride, that our Pacific Battalion, having taken a glorious part in the advance on Rome, was given the place of honour at the head of the French forces, as the Allied armies marched into the Eternal City, after it had been abandoned by the defeated enemy.