28 JUNE 1945, Page 12

- TWO TRUTHS

Snt,—I have noticed during the past few dais two statements the -related importance. of which seems to me so great that I-should to see them in print together.

The first, an extract from M. Herriot's speech, reads: 'What' Must never never be forgotten, is that, owing to the treachery of Our leaflets, Britain found' herself ,alone. L ask you.—for. I like clarity—whit wOuld have become of us if Britain had signed an armistice in 1940 as We 'did." The second, from Mr. Harold Nicolion's column in your issue of June ilth, reads: " However -much we:may-regret General de dauffe's inconiretient obstinacy, -we should always remember that he remains for ever the man of June iSth, 1940, who believed in our victory when' .iithers despaired ; we must always remember that it was his very obstinacy which created almost from nothing a movement 'of resistance which awoke in the French people those qualities of heroism and endurance which in the end helped to liberate their country and 'to save their soul."

If the French and British peoples can memorise these truths, their mutual respect and understanding should be capable of meeting whatever strains they may be subject to in the time ahead.