Page:Scott Nearing - Stopping a War (1926).pdf/17

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"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! …"

9. Doriot Tells the Soldiers to Fraternize

Doriot then read from the letters written by soldiers, expressing their dissatisfaction with the war, and demanding its termination. He was repeatedly interrupted and attacked during this portion of his speech.

"Doriot.—Tomorrow, gentlemen, when, leaving France with such a spirit of opposition, the soldiers reach the front and realize that in the interior of this country, workers and peasants like them want immediate peace with the Riff, and that those who govern France refuse to take the least step in this direction, they will consider themselves no longer bound to

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