Lull In Peace Moves

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 145, 20 June 1940, Page 7

Lull In Peace Moves

LATEST REPORTS French Envoys Leave To Meet Germans DIRE NAZI THREATS (United Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec noon.) LONDON. June 19. The British United Press Bordeaux correspondent says the French plenipotentiaries have gone to meet the German representatives. The French radio announced at 1 1.30 a.m. that the French Army was continuing resistance. It added that Cabinet had appointed plenipotentiaries for the armistice negotiations. A Washington message says it is authoritatively stated that the United States Army Intelligence Department is checking an unconfirmed report that the French Government is being removed to Tunisia, in North Africa. An official news agency report from Basle states that Hitler demanded the complete disarmament and partial occupation of France till the end of the war against Britain. Official circles in Berlin declared that Italy will not be represented at the armistice discussions. "Italian interests are in good hands," was the opinion expressed. A later French communique issued after the Cabinet meeting stated that the Cabinet took note of the communication of the Reich Government, transmitted by the Spanish Ambassador, in which the Reich Government expresses readiness to inform the French Government of the conditions for the cessation of hostilities as soon as the names of the French plenipotentiaries are made known, and that the Reich Government will make known the date and place for the reception of the plenipotentiaries whom the Cabinet has appointed. The enemy has maintained pressure on the entire front, but has not made any important advances, the communique says. France is fighting on till negotiations are concluded. Berlin radio said: "It is useless to appeal to Germany's generosity and nobility. The balance of the power of Europe must be readjusted. France has been trying for 300 years to dismember, oppress and humiliate Germany. She must be destroyed. German arms will speak as long as the Fuehrer dunks fit to settle outstanding accounts to the last item." The Berlin radio commentator, again attacking M. Baudouin, French Foreign Minister, said that the moment for an armistice had apparently not yet arrived. "M. Baudouin's remarks show clearly that the mentality of the present French Government is the same as that of its predecessor," he said. "Their speeches will not stop the German Army from chasing the French Army deep into the south of France." The French Ministry of National Defence in a communique says that maritime communications on the western Mediterranean are assured, says a Bordeaux message. Several Italian submarines were sunk last week, particularly by the minesweeper La Curieuse, which shelled and boarded a submarine. Naval and aerial actions occurred against enemy military and industrial objectives.