GESTAPO IN PARIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 23, 7 November 1940, Page 10

GESTAPO IN PARIS

FIRM’S OFFICE LOOTED. FTLES TAKEN AWAY. LONDON. October 8. A vivid picture of Paris under Gorman domination is painted by Mr Seatree, an American partner in the famous British firm of (Price, Waterhouse and Company. Mr Seatrhe was in charge of the firm’s business :n Paris. He has recently arrived at- Lisbon as a refugee on bis way to New York. When the French- ec-llapse came, Mr Seatreoi was in am emergency office in the provinces, but returned' to Paris with his wife. The Gestapo, accompanied by an armed guard, arrived at his and informed him that they knew all about him, his firm, and its clients. They said: ‘‘lt will be better for you if you answer all questions correctly.” They went to the filing room, and after going through the files, a bundle of them was set aside. Mr Sea tree- tried to obtain a list of the files, but lie was told, “There is no object in doing so, you will never see them again.” The firm’s bank accounts were con - fiscated, all cash in this safe was looted, and he was refused a receipt. The Gestapo also took an envelope, deposited by an employee, containing his savings of cash and hearer securities amounting to about 60,000 francs. They soiled everything: and forbade Mr Sentroc to remove a single document from the office.

Mr Scat-res States that there is ;> severe food shortage in Paris, and Ley Halles, the great market, is open to the French only after the Germans Imve been supplied. Milk and butter arte extremely short, and eggsha.ro not been obtainable for two months. But it- is a common sight to see German soldiers plentifully supplied with all these goods in the cafes. Half-bottles of champagne seem to be their usual beverage at lunch-time.