LAVAL’S AIMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 162, 22 April 1942, Page 5

LAVAL’S AIMS

RAPPROCHEMENT WITH NAZIS. BROADCAST TO TM€ french “NO FOREIGN INFLUENCE.” (N.Z. Press Association—“ Copyright.) LONDON, April 20. “My return to power means a rapprochement between France and Germany, for which. 1 have always stood,” declared M. Laval in a broadcast address to-night “In my public life, 3 have known difficult moments when the fate of France was, in peril. It is always at these times that I have come into power. I will do everything to try to ensure the safety of our country. “It seems that I will feel all the stronger defending it, since I had no responsibility for the misfortune which fell on us. The Government will do its duty in seeking to reduce your sufferings. It will do its utmost to reduce restrictive measures, but you will understand that in exceptional times liberty has its necessary limits—all temporary, we hope. The workers have nothing to fear, and everything to hope from the new regime. Liberty in the new world will be protected, honoured and glorified, similarly to spiritual values. "I have always declared that a Franco-German rapprochement was a condition of European peace. We found in Germany an unprecedented fact —a conqueror who agreed not to abuse his victory, hut offered France a place in the new Europe worthy of her past. The war has spread to all the continents and has taken on a new significance, producing more, imperious reasons for a reconciliation with Germany. The gigantic battles being waged against Bolshevism have revealed the war’s true meaning. Do you think that if Russia won she would halt at our frontier? “I have never hitherto accepted any foreign influence, which explains the frequent loosing of passion in England against me and my policy. No threat will to-day prevent me from pursuing an agreement for a reconciliation with Germany. Do you see another foreign policy which would better enable us to care for our prisoners and lighten our burdens? Attack on Britain. “My thoughts go especially to those among you who have suffered from the attacks of our former ally, Britain. These attacks are all the more fierce against our territories because.she is. unable to defend her own. In the moment of her danger, Britain would complete the destruction of our homes which the battles left unscathed. Would you agree, with British aid, to be sold out to the Bolshevik system, which would bring boundless misery? Socialism will be established everywhere under the new system, allowing for national characteristics and each people’s aspirations. “During my long conversations with Marshal Petain, I found that we are united in heart and mind. These conversations were austere because we both felt the same sacred anxiety for our country. I appeal to you to comprehend the meaning of my task and sustain my effort.” Laval’s, broadcast address, which included a declaration of his policy, occasions little comment since Hitler s new “Gauleiter of Vichy” has long been seen in his true colours. It is, noted, however, that in a rare flash of frankness, he admitted publicly his complete adhesion to the policy of his masters. “For a long time,” he said. “I have advocated the bringing together of Germany and France. It was like an obsession with me. I have used every opportunity in the past to bring the two countries closer.” Listeners to M. Laval’s speech noted two revealing inflections in his delivery. The bitterness with which he reviled Britain showed clearly that, recent comments on his character in this country have touched him on the raw. He accused Britain of forcing France into the war and then leaving France to her fate and attempting to destroy the French Fleet. He added. “To-day they fly over our skies, and are destroying our homes,” Appeal to Peasants. When speaking directly to French peasants, he changed his inflection to wheedling emotionalism. With a break in his voice he tried to persuade them that bis declaration was made in the agony ioi his soul. “It was in the little village where I was born, ’ he said, “that I meditated this speech .1 am now making.” He emphasised his anxiety over the fate of the motherland which had pervaded his recent talks with Marshal Petain. In his appeal, however, could heard the voice of the Gauleiter. “ I know you, French peasants,” he said. “I know your generosity. I understand your just clamour for a land of liberty. I must, however, bring home the point that, even liberty has its limits.” Following M. Laval’s speech, it was announced from Vichy that the new French Cabinet met this evening, when Admiral Darlan was present. It was also announced that Admiral Darlan would broadcast an “order of the d<*y ’ to the land, air, and naval forces at 1.30 p.m. to-morrow. A report from Vichy, on the mooting of the Cabinet, said that Marshal Petain welcomed the new Chief of the Government and his Ministers, and added that M. Laval thanked the Marshal for his complete devotion to the Cabinet and to France. M. Laval’s new position is widely discussed in the British press, where it, is realised that although lie has made himself virtual dictator of

France, surrounded by puppets, yet lie can ho expected to give implicit obedience to another dictator, Hitler. American reaction to M. Laval’s appointment has been discouraging to M. Laval. Active collaboration with the Nazis in the military and naval field would he fatal to the maintenance of any relations with the United States. Although Hitler must always cast covetous eyes ion the potential value of the French Fleet for Mediterranean operations, it is possible that any move in this direction will be carefully hidden—with consequences at present unpredictable. It is felt to be obvious that M. Laval’s first domestic move will be a severe purge throughout the civil service and vigorous measures against the still living elements of the political parties which he finds objectionable, and of the trade union organisation which once played such an important part in French life. He is expected to help Germany with the supply of war materials and skilled labour, and organise home industry to help the Nazis to the highest degree. At the same time M. Laval may impose stricter control on the French population which is likely to secure greater safety for the German rear. The Berlin radio announced that Admiral Cabinet, commander of the 4th French Naval Squadron, had been nominated as Commander-in-Chief in West Africa. TRANSFER OF SHIPS REPORTED. PROTEST BY UNITED STATES. WASHINGTON, April 21. The State Department, according to the United Press of America, has sent a strongly-worded protest to Vichy regarding reports that several French merchantmen have been transferred to Japan. According to the Chicago “Sun,” Vichy lias transferred 50,000 tons of French naval shipping to the Japanese for use in the Far East.