-9-                             
 
                    Nations, share that view,               
 
                                                            
 
 
It so happened that on my return Journey one of the engines 
      of our four engine aircraft became tired of operating. Luckily 
      then we were getting near the aerodrome of Algiers, and so we 
      were landed and delayed there. As a consequence I had opportunities 
      of meeting both M. Massigli and General Catroux himself and of 
      conversation with then about this situation. Here let me say 
      just one word - which I hope the House will endorse --- to the 
      people of France. We are at the heart of the fifth winter of 
      this war. The suffering of the French people has been harsh and 
      cruel. She has spent a long ordeal, which perhaps, but for the 
      hazard of geography, the British people might have had to share. 
      We believe that this great people, 40,000,000 strong, enriched 
      by the moral and intellectual qualities that have been theirs 
      throughout history, will find the spirit to lift them up again 
      from the heavy blows which have been dealt them during the last 
      four years. We believe that in the Colonial and French forces 
      in Tunisia and in Libya, of which I have heard from our own officers 
      who served with them, and in the heroic and ever increasing resistance 
      movement in France, some of whose representatives I have set 
      within the last few days - we believe that in those people we 
      have the real soul of France. So I say at this time that despite 
      all the difficulties we extend to France our sympathy and our 
                           confidence.                      
 
                                                            
 
 
What I have said, and said deliberately, applies not only 
      to Fraise but also to all those nations now under German occupation. 
      What we are seeking, what we are working for, when we approach 
      these matters in harmony with the United States and Russia is 
      not to impose a three-power will upon Europe; We are seeking 
      to liberate those countries so that each and all can take their 
      place in the European family again. There could not be anything 
      exclusive in the arrangements between the three powers. We want 
      to resto %re the liberty of these nations of Europe, great and 
      small, so that they can play their part in Europe. I am one who 
      believes that Europe has still perhaps the greatest contribution 
             of all to make to the future of mankind.       
 
                                                            
 
 
Having said that, I must come to one or two of our troubles, 
      for it would not be fair to ignore our troubles. There are two