London, Nov. 25.
A denial of an allegation made by the Vichy Government. that he had contemplated the inclusion of the Bishop of Libreville in any exchange of prisoners was issued by General de Gaulle, leader of free French forces, yesterday.
The communique issued from General de Gaulle's London headquarters stated: "Vice-Admiral Platen, Minister for the Colonies in the Vichy Government, recently broadcast communications' in connection with an offer made by General de Gaulle for the exchange of prisoners.
"General de. Gaulle wants to protest against an untruth told by Vice-'Admiral Platen in including the name of the Bishop of Libreville, Monseigneur Tardy, in the list of prisoners who were to be exchanged or "who could guarantee the safety of the free French forces.
de Gaulle formally denies he ever contemplated that the Bishop of Libreville, who is a non-combatant, could be included in any exchange of prisoners or be regarded as a hostage. Tt is pointed out that Bishop Tardy Bad always been treated by the free French forces with all the respect due to his religióus calling."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.