CAB80-25 — Page 450

Page 450

Page 450

Page 450

(iii) Air Force.

23. Thirteen Belgians have been serving in R.A.F. Bomber Squadrons during the month.

Training of pupil pilots in R.A.F. Schools and in the Franco-Belgian School at Odiham continues satisfactorily, and three Belgian airmen have successfully completed Instructors' Courses.

M. Gutt, the Belgian Defence Minister, has visited Odiham and expressed satisfaction with progress being made.

WELFARE.

24. A Co-ordinating Committee has been formed, consisting of repre- sentatives of Ministry of Shipping, Council of Seamen's Missions, British Council and N.A.(F) to Second Sea Lord, to co-ordinate the many local welfare efforts for allied seamen (Naval, mercantile and fishing) at various ports. Many matters connected with French Welfare have been dealt with in co-operation with Lord Bessborough's Committee.

Arrangements are being made to enquire into and, where necessary, further the welfare of the families of allied seamen in this country.

THIS

ANNEX.

EXTRACTS FROM CENSORSHIP FRENCH MAIL.

Some letters from France mention the return of Naval Ratings repatriated from England. No adverse criticism has appeared :-

A number of soldiers and sailors wounded at Dunkirk have been repatriated. The majority report that they were well treated and well tended in England."

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<C

My cousin Eugene, who was at Cherbourg, left with the English from Liverpool. He has very pleasant memories; it appears they were very kind to him. If he had not a family here he would have stayed in England."

If we have any advice to give you, it is not to leave (England). I was speaking to Michel Maze of St. Pierre, who has come from there. Well, he would give a lot to be back again, and nearly all those who have come back from England say the same.'

Letters from French Personnel include the following extracts :-

It saddens me to think I am the only one in my family to join the Free French Navy.

The day will come beware those who betrayed us-officers, cowards, commanders of ships, Generals, superior officers, and the so-called politicians beware. They have let us down."

'I am very content in the Free French Forces and am waiting patiently for the day of victory, when we can go back to our beloved country and our parents, who have had no news of us.

17.

€

"Believe me, I am very proud of our Force,' and victory will be the best present we have ever had in our lives.

The lavish entertainment provided for the ship while at Greenock was much appreciated:

Here (in Scotland) we are made a great fuss of, as are all the followers of General de Gaulle. We are invited out and fêted, but we did not join up to stop here. We must fight to save France."

It is sad getting no letters. I wish to become acquainted with the English." Writing from the Free French Depot Ship, an Officer recounts difficulties encountered in keeping discipline :-

Since arriving here I have not been pleased, and there is no harmony amongst us Frenchmen, particularly among these Bretons, who are drunk from morning till night. On my first day of service I had to sock a sailor on the jaw. I am obliged to use my fists to make myself obeyed.”

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