NEW POWERS FOR LAVAL

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23800, 20 November 1942, Page 5

NEW POWERS FOR LAVAL

Successor To Petain VICHY CABINET CHANGES (N.Z.P.A.-8.0.W.) (Rec. 9 p.m.) . VICHY, Nov. 18. Marshal Petain has signed a constitutional amendment granting M. Laval the power, “on his simple signature alone.” to make laws and decrees. Marshal Petain has also signed an additional amendment to the French constitution whereunder M. Laval is appointed his deputy and successor. Marshal Petain, according to the Vichy wireless, has signed two proclamations. The first states: “All constitutional and legislative changes are

invalid unless signed by myself.” The second states: *’( 1 > It before the ratification of this document by my Cabinet I should be hindered in the performance of my powers, they will be performed by M. Laval, who will become head of the State. (2) If 1 should be hindered for an indefinite period, I order that the Cabinet should assemble within a month and that the majority should elect the head of the State. The Cabinet should equally fix the extent of the powers of the new head of the State, and of the head of tne Government. These two functions should be performed by two different persons, “I hereby revoke article IV of the new French constitution.” Article IV declares that the successor to Marshal Petain should be Admiral Darlan. A Vichy communique says; “M. Laval reported to the Cabinet on the information brought by Admiral Platon (Minister of Colonies) from Tunisia. “Marshal Petain, who continues as head of the State to cmbpdy French sovereignty, decided, in view of the exceptional circumstances, to give M. Laval the necessary powers to deal with speed at any hour and in all places with the difficulties through which France was passing. M. Laval thanked Marshal Petain for his confidence and assured him that he would serve France with his whole heart.” Berlin Comment The Berlin radio to-night reinforced the growing belief (hat M. Laval may supersede Marshal Petain and become the virtual dictator of France. The radio, after naming several members of the Vichy Cabinet who were allegedly displaying a dilatory or opposition attitude, added: "M. Laval is expected spon to receive most far-reaching powers. Informed circles in Berlin believe the passive measures to which the French Government has hitherto restricted itself may now give way to positive measures. A rapid decision in this matter is most desirable.” The Vichy wireless also states that the Secretary for iho Navy, Admiral Auphan, has been dismissed from his post. Admiral Abrial succeeds Admiral Auphan, who was last reported at Toul0 M. Gibrnt, Secretary of State for Communications, has also left the Government. M. Joan Bichelone. at present Secretary of State for Industrial Production, now also assumes M. Gibrat’s duties. M. Cathala. Secretary of State for Finance, becomes First Minister of National Economy and Finance.