Letters, Dec. 16, 1935

Non-Political Croix de Feu

Sirs: As a reader of TIME and a member of the League known as the Croix de Feu, I write to protest against the term ''fascist" as applied to that organization or to its Chief, Lieut. Colonel de La Rocque [TIME, Nov. 4]. The Croix de Feu came into existence shortly after the end of the World War, as did many associations of veterans. In contrast to other similar organizations, however, the Croix de Feu restricted its membership to a selected group of men, in that it not only required that its members had fought in the War, but also that they had gained a distinction for valor, symbolized by some medal or cross. Hence the designation of Croix de Feu, meaning a cross won under fire and not a "cross of fire" or "fiery cross" as sometimes rendered in English and U. S. newspapers. The declared aim of the Croix de Feu is to unite their members in disinterested patriotism, clear and free from any and all political factions. When, two years ago, public scandal in France reached a pitch that aroused general indignation and brought to light the utter corruption of the party which has been in power for the past 60 years, the Croix de Feu paraded the streets of Paris as a warning that men who had exposed their lives to defend their country were prepared to do so again in another field. . . . The Croix de Feu cannot help but admire the splendid spirit and proud bearing of every Italian and German as compared with the despondent, anxious and embittered attitude of their own countrymen. But they refuse to be identified with "fascism" in the generally accepted meaning of that word since they are opposed to many of the fascist principles, beginning with the totalitarian state. . . . L. DE VALLOMBROSA Paris, France

sirs, . . . The Croix de Feu is entirely unpolitical, has no "platform" and Colonel de La Rocque has no aspirations of dictatorship a la Mussolini. . . . Its enemies are Communism and Free Masonry. (Here I remind you that Free Masonry in France has no resemblance to the very fine organization of the same name in other parts of the world. American and English Free Masons are forbidden to recognize this bastard branch of France to whose activities many dark pages in French history can be traced.) . . . Fascism is only the label given this fine organization by its enemies — a false statement to spread unjust propaganda. . . . EVELYNE GREIG Paris, France

Hoare's Voice

Sirs:

An expression current (three weeks ago) in Rome, Italy, which may, or may not be of use to you. It struck me as a TIME type: "Hoare's is the voice breathed over Eden." 0. HASBROUCK Northampton, Mass.

6,000 Miles, Five TIMES

Sirs:

Leaving Buenos Aires Nov. 19 in a Panagra plane, the last issue of TIME I had received, Oct. 28 issue, was in hand for early reading. This was handled long before reaching Mendoza.