NAZI DEMAND

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 242, 13 October 1942, Page 3

NAZI DEMAND

. * TRAGEDY TO FRANCE

Compulsory Recruiting Of

Workers

Rec. 1.30 p.m,

LONDON, Oct. 12.

Chasseigne, who is director of Vichy's propaganda to the workers, has confirmed the report that the Germans have given Laval until October 15 to find 150,000 French workers for Germany. "We are facing a tragic situation. If the required number do not volunteer workmen in occupied France will be requisitioned and transported to where they will be most useful," he said.

"The Government appeals to all young workers to volunteer. Workers have not understood the Government's great efforts on behalf of the war prisoners, and in France very few have volunteered. I entreat you to give the Government the opportunity to seize the chance which is being offered her," he concluded

The illegal French newspaper Combat reports that a German recruiter, addressing workers in a Paris factory, asked for twelve volunteers. No workers volunteered. The recruiter then ordered the factory manager to pick out 24 men. _ The manager refused and the recruiter then called in the German troops, who marched off 48. They were not allowed to visit their homes before being sent to Germany.

The Paris radio broadcast an appeal from the Association of Released War Prisoners, who urged workers to volunteer, pointing out that otherwise they will be forcibly drafted without securing any benefit for France.

The latest Vichy move to get French workers for Germany has been to bring in a new decree forbidding employers to dismiss or sign on any worker without the sanction of the Labour Bureau. The Vichy Government has imposed a heavy new tax to provide a premium for French families who undertake work in Germany, says a oispatcn from Berne quoting a Vichy

In another attempt to persuade his countrymen that ne is working in the interests of France, and not Germany, Laval has told them that his aim is to save French territory and its empire. "I will do my duty to the end, he said. "Give me time."