Stopping a War/Chapter 8
8. International Complications
Doriot then pointed out the danger of a world war arising out of the struggle for North Africa. Italy was anxious. Spain was uneasy.
"Britain also is not welcoming your military activity with enthusiasm, When the English feel that the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar might fall into our hands, they will become anxious. What will you give them for their silence? …
"Do not forget also that by your action you are angering the whole Moslem world. … Even as far as India a great movement to help the Riffians financially has been organized. In trying to increase your prestige in a little corner of Morocco you have shown your true face as the oppressors of 20 millions of Moslems, and raised the other Moslems against you. (Applause from the extreme left. Lively manifestations on many sides).
"The President.—These words are not admissible. France has never oppressed any people. (Loud applause.)
"M. Franklin-Bouillon.—This is abominable language.
"M. Barthelemy Robaglia.—You strike the French soldiers in the back.
"M. Franklin-Bouillon.—It is a shame!
"Numerous voices.—To the door!
"From the extreme left.—Down with war!
"Renaud Jean.—Those who carry on colonial expeditions are the assassins. (Applause from the extreme left. Protests from the other benches.)
"From various sides.—Censure him! Censure him!
"The President.—I have already protested, as was my duty, against the words which M. Doriot has spoken. …
"Doriot.—You have spoken of the soldiers from our colonies who died for France during the war. We also have the right to speak of them, These soldiers came from distant places to fight for a cause which was not their own! (Applause from the extreme left. Lively protests from other benches.) …
"Doriot.—At the moment when I was interrupted I was about to say that at that time you made them promises of democratic reforms,—of the right to vote. (Applause on the extreme left.)
"M. Gaston Thompson.—No! No!
"M. Edouard de Warren.—That is false!
"Doriot.—These promises, made to Algerians and Tunisians, are not being kept today. Movements of disillusionment and antagonism against you have sprung up in these countries. Very largely they are dissatisfied with your country. …
"The President.—You should say 'our' country. (Applause.)
"Doriot.—They are dissatisfied with your country, governed by your class, and they are thinking of giving themselves a somewhat greater freedom than you are willing to allow them. … This little people, which has long struggled to liberate itself from foreign domination, needs a breathing space. They are trying to organize their country. … They have already begun.
"M. Pierre-Etienne Flandin.—Yes, with cannon.
"Doriot.—Cannon that you have sold them, perhaps. The Riffs are waiting for a moment of peace to recommence this work. They would gladly receive the news of peace negotiations. …
"During twenty years Morocco has cost 12,000 lives, according to the official statement. The present war will devour thousands more. … While soldiers die and the expropriated natives suffer, the bankers are making scandalous profits, and some dividends are up to 80 per cent! …"