Darlan Urged to Prove His Assurances on Jewish Rights in North Africa

The statement made by Jean Francois Darlan yesterday to foreign correspondents in North Africa announcing, among other things, that the restoration of rights to Jews in Algoria and French Morocco “has begun” and that “measures have been taken to immediately stop whatever persecution of Jews may have resulted from laws passed in France under German pressure,” is widely commented upon in the Metropolitan press today.

The New York Herald-Tribune, referring to Darlan’s assurances, especially those concerning the North African Jews, says in an editorial: “These words would be amply sufficient – were they signed by a Herriot, a De Gaulle, a Giraud or any of the many Frenchmen who have proven their patriotism and their integrity. Coming from the political admiral who has now twice changed his colors, from the arch-collaborator, the man who himself carried out many of the persecutions which he now rescinds, they will inevitably be subjected to skeptical examination. A statement of this kind is only as good as the man who makes it.”

The New York Times in its editorial on Darlan’s statement writes: “In Darlan’s case, no doubt the verdict will be influenced by the proofs he gives of his readiness to act now in “accord with French national traditions. These include the abrogation of anti-Jewish laws, release of prisoners and internees of the United Nations, amnesty to imprisoned pro-Allied sympathizers, and their inclusion in the present Government.”

Darlan’s statement, as released last night at the White House, said, in part: “The High Commissioner – Darlan – has begun the restoration of rights to those persons from whom these had previously been taken because of race. Measures have been taken to stop immediately whatever persecution of the Jews may have resulted from the laws passed in France under German pressure. His announced purpose is to give just treatment to all elements making up the complex North African population to the end that all can dwell and work together under laws insuring mutual tolerance and respect for rights.”