GERMAN PLANS IN FRENCH AFRICA

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23493, 22 November 1941, Page 9

GERMAN PLANS IN FRENCH AFRICA

Weygand’s Dismissal An Ominous Sign U.S. REVIEWING RELATIONS (Received November 21, 9.30 p.m.) (U.P.A.) LONDON, November 21. The Vichy Government has announced that General Weygand, Delegate-General in North Africa, has been retired. This is believed to be the forerunner of closer collaboration between Vichy and Germany in North Africa. The Vichy radio interrupted a news bulletin to allow General Weygand to broadcast a farewell message to his former subordinates in North Africa, in which he said: “Your unity behind the head of the State grows stronger each day, thus consolidating and safeguarding the future. You must remain faithful and loyal.” The Free French radio at Brazzaville stated: “The dismissal of General Weygand marks the Vichy Government’s intention to open North Africa to German troops, and also hand over the fleet. The extent of the German demands may be judged by the pressing problem confronting the Germans in North Africa.” The United States State Department has announced that the United States has suspended all plans for economic assistance to French North Africa, and is reviewing her entire relationship with the French Government because it has acquiesced to Hitler’s express demand to remove General Weygand, thus permitting German control over French authority entirely outside the armistice provisions. The announcement emphasised that the removal of General Weygand was an ominous development in growing French-German collaboration which might be seriously detrimental to American interests. The United States would await action by the French and Germans before determining her future course. Recognition of de Gaulle Mr Foster Stearns, a member of the United States House of Representatives, has announced that he will introduce a resolution proposing that the United States recognise General de Gaulle’s Free French Government. The “Daily Express” states that General Weygand was dismissed on Hitler’s orders, because, in his threeday conference with Marshal Petain he refused to disclose his plans for the defence of North Africa. General Weygand arrived in Vichy earlier in the week, and it was suggested that his visit was concerned with German pressure on Vichy for his appointment as Minister for War in succession to General Huntziger. The Germans feel that in his present post General Weygand was too independent, and at Vichy he would be more under the control of Admiral Darlan. The delegate-generalship in Africa has been abolished with General Weygand’s retirement. General Juin has been appointed Commander-in-Chief in North Africa, and General Barrau Commander-in-Chief in West Africa. A permanent secretariat-generalship for French Africa replaces the governor-generalship. Vice-Admiral Fenard has been appointed permanent Secretary-General for French Africa, and M. Chatel has been appointed Governor-General of Algeria. The Vichy radio stated' that the new Secretary-General in French Africa would be under the direct control of Admiral Darlan. General Weygand is going to the Riviera for a brief holiday. The Vichy Minister for Colonies (Admiral Platon) has gone to Africa to gather afresh the information which General Huntziger was taking to Vichy when he was killed in an aeroplane crash. ■ ITALY IN GRIP OF INFLATION Taxes Pay Quarter Of War Costs WEALTHY PEOPLE FEAR CURRENCY COLLAPSE NEW YORK; November 20. Italy is in the grip of swift inflation, with the Government spending 80 per cent, of the national income on the war but collecting only 20 per cent, in taxes, says Mr Allen Rayment, correspondent of the “New York Herald Tribune,” in a message from Rome. Most of the difference is rolling from the printing presses in what is called money, he says. The cost of living has risen 50 per cent. The Government’s policy of blocking prices on a few commodities has proved futile, and the Wealthy are putting their money into land and anything tangible that may survive the - collapse of currency. Most stores in Rome are yirtually empty, with the sale of anything containing textile or metal materials forbidden. Stores are closed partially to protect the Italians against their German allies, who pour through the country in their thousands carrying plenty of money, and buying everything not available in Germany. Where the Germans get the money is no secret. When the British drove the Italians out of East Africa and Ethiopia they captured an enormous quantity of printed lire, which had been dumped on the Swiss market and bought up by Germans at 60 lire to the dollar, compared with the official rate of 19.80. While the Italians are eating less than they like, it is reported that their health is improving as a result. People in Rome nave absolute faith that the British will not bomb the capital or other cities except where there are really military objectives. There is an actual feeling of friendliness towards Britain, in contrast to the anti-German sentiment. ITALIAN MORALE SUFFERS EFFECT OF FREQUENT R.A.F. RAIDS INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT FALLS LONDON, November 19. The Royal Air Force raids on Italy are seriously affecting the morale of the workers, who are nervous, suffering from lack of sleep, and often refuse to return to work after bombings. This was reported to the Ankara correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” by a neutral traveller, who has just returned from Italy. An expert had estimated that the raided towns’ production was only 60 per cent, of the normal manufacture of aircraft, and ship-building had ceased. The convoys recently attacked were the first for some time to attempt to break the blockade. Most German troops in Italy have been sent to Russia, and the only German aeroplanes left are on Sicily, The traveller confirms that rioting has occurred in Sicily. Inscriptions such as “Make terms with Britain” were chalked on walls at night, he said.