LIFE IN FRANCE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24095, 3 November 1943, Page 2

LIFE IN FRANCE

RECENT ATTEMPT TO KILL LAVAL EXPLOSIVES FOUND NEAR CASTLE (P.A.) WELLINGTON, November 2. Cablegrams received by the delegate of Fighting France in New Zealand from the French Service of Information in Algiers provide sidelights on life in occupied France. For instance, it is disclosed that in an attempt on Laval’s life, 120 pounds of explosive were hidden in a sand heap, and would have blown up his castle had it not been discovered by a roadman, whom Laval rewarded by giving him 10,000 francs, and promising him a proper food supply for the duration. Since then the roadman receives a daily letter threatening his life. The French secret newspaper, “Le Populaire,” in the October edition warns the French people to take care of their wireless sets. Recalling what happened in Holland, the newspaper says that the Vichy authorities intend confiscating all sets, so that the people will be unable to hear instructions which might be given by the Allies when the collapse of Germany takes place. It is reported that the plant of the French petrol refineries has been given to Rumania to replace machinery destroyed in the Ploesti raid. It is also reported that the Germans are stealing all valuable works in French libraries, and removing the glass windows from the Strasburg cathedral to send to Germany. M. Andre Philip, Commissioner for the Interior, on his return from a visit to London, said he had learned much of the situation in France. In country districts the population managed, one way or another, to obtain food; but it was different in the towns. He had launched a widespread campaign for sending children to a country where there was more food. For the moment the Germans did not seem to oppose this migration. At present, apart from building fortifications on the coasts, they were principally engaged in organising measures which would enable the arrest of all men of military age in the event of an Allied landing. Their methods of repression were growing more violent daily. During August alone approximately 500 wellknown people or leaders were arrested. He had confirmation of the arrest of President Le Brun and of the author, Remain Holland, who was 77 years old. and whose death had now been reported.