Allied Forces landed in North Africa six months ago today. As their Commander-in-Chief I then proclaimed the pledge of the President of the United States and the Government of Great Britain to re-arm those Frenchmen who sought only opportunity and weapons in order to resume the fight against the Axis for the deliverance of their native land.

Today, General Giraud, through you, as one of the consistent and implacable foes of Hitlerism, and the leader of the French forces in North Africa, I am happy to transfer these implements of war to Frenchmen inspired by that purpose.

Supplementing vital equipment delivered to the gallant French forces from British and American armies during the Tunisian campaign, this new array of war munitions - only a small portion of that already here and coming - has been produced by the sacrifice and devotion of America whose millions of men, women and children have joined with their hands and their hearts in this great war for human freedom.

Brought here in the ships of the United Nations, this equipment is a token of the traditional friendship of the peoples of our two great countries. That friendship is shared warmly and loyally by the people of Great Britain, our indomitable ally, which once stood bravely alone against the Axis. British battle experience, gained during that trying period, is reflected in the design and quality of many of these machines, which are of the finest in the world.

I have just received from the President of the United States a personal cable which he has asked me to read to you at this ceremony. President Roosevelt’s message is as follows:

“American workers whose labor is devoted to turning out arms and military equipment for the defenders of our common cause ask only that the fruits of their labor be placed in the hands of those imbued with a determination to use them to their fullest effect. The formal transfer today of arms and equipment to our gallant French allies will be a source of encouragement to these workers and of keen satisfaction to every American. Our soldiers look forward to the days ahead when the weapons being transferred today and those being forged in ever growing quantities will, in their hands and those of their allies, strike increasingly heavy blows upon the common enemy until the final victory is won.”

French valor and French patriotism now have a trenchant sword with which to help strike from France the shackles of oppression. The victorious Jeanne d’Arc carried her battle standard into the coronation cathedral. Now that the only Axis soldiers left on African soil will soon be in graves or in prison camps, let us set our hearts and minds on complete victory, so that we may march, with this equipment, up the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe, where lies the Unknown Soldier, symbol of French heroism. There we will render a salute to the Tricolor, once again floating proudly, peacefully and forever over a freed French people, who will re-establish their own government in accordance with their own conceptions of right, liberty and justice.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER