Irate Andre

FRANCE

Irate Andre

The man who turned the Eiffel Tower into an electric sign, shrewd, bold Andre Citroen, "Ford of France" last week dashed off an angry open letter to British Islanders, flaying the lengths to which they carry their slogan "Buy British."

Too late M. Citroen has found out that he cannot make a Citroen car "British" merely by having it built in Britain by British workmen. Warning other manufacturers not to fall into his pitfall, Ford of France wrote bitterly: "At a time when the British press is actively supporting a movement to urge foreigners to establish branch factories in Great Britain, I cannot help expressing surprise at the contrast between these appeals and the actual attitude toward concerns trying to produce in Great Britain. During 1925 I set up the largest automobile plant in Great Britain under one roof and established in Piccadilly the finest motor car showroom perhaps in the world at the highest rental.

"During eight years I have spent more than $27,000,000. Nevertheless my products are being criticized by means of a public campaign tantamount to a boycott which drives away new and old customers. "I ask the British public to consider this situation from the light of fair play and good business. The result of the campaign to 'Buy British' will be to drive away foreign industrialists contemplating establishing plants in Great Britain."

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