French Force of the Interior are part of AEF
Executions by Nazis to be punished
SHAEF, London, England (UP) – (July 15)
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced today that the French Forces of the Interior under Maj. Gen. Joseph-Pierre Kœnig are a combatant force and form an integral part of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
The Allied Supreme Commander issued his statement after receiving conclusive evidence that the Germans were labelling the French resistance forces as francs-tireurs (free shooters) and executing them.
Openly bear arms
He pointed out that the members of the FFI openly bear arms against the enemy and are instructed to conduct their operations in accordance with the rules of war. They are provided with a distinctive emblem, he said, adding that he regards them as an army under his command.
Under these circumstances, he warned, German reprisals against the resistance troops violate the rules of war. Such crimes only strengthen the determination of the United Nations to bring the war to a speedy, victorious conclusion and see that justice is carried out, he said.
Guilty to be punished
Every effort will be made to trace the authors of any atrocities committed against the members of forces under his command, he said, and steps to this end are already being taken. The guilty will be brought to swift justice, he added.
The London radio, heard by the United Press in New York, charged the Germans had executed a group of French patriots in Dax, 32 miles northeast of Bayonne. Quoting reports from San Sebastian, Spain, the broadcast added that a large-scale street battle had taken place in Bordeaux between resistance groups and the Fascist militia.
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