NOTE TO PETAIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 111, 4 February 1941, Page 7

NOTE TO PETAIN

Hitler’s Conjectured Policy USE OF AFRICAN BASE Fascist Programme Of New / French Party (By Telegraph—lJress Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, February 2. Though Spanish observers in Berlin do not believe Hitler is contemplating drastic action against France at present, other sources consider that the Franco-German situation may be approaching a crisis. The latest move is Admiral Darlan’s departure for Paris, wher?, according to the Rome radio, he is to meet Vichy’s representative in occupied France, M. de Brinon, through whom Hitler sent his latest Note to Marshal Petain. Tlie Free French news agency in Loudon says Unit the Note, which is eouched in threatening terms, not only demands a change in the French. Government. with the reintroduction of politicians who are prepared to collaborate with Germany, but also alludes to rhe strategic situation in the Mediterranean. Presumably this is directed at Bizerta, Tunisia, upon which Hit- - ler lor some time has been casting hungry eyes, it states. Spanish correspondents in Berlin report that Hitler’s note is short and cold, but say that German officials are noncommittal about it. Some of these correspondents say that Germany does not contemplate any drastic action at present, and one says it must not be forgotten that a great part of Marshal Petain’s strength lies in tlie discipline and calm shown by the French colonial army and fleet. On the other hand, the newspaper “A.8.C.” says the Germans may be ou the verge of an important decision relating to France. The formation of a German-inspired party in Paris has led to no major developments. Correspondents with close knowledge of France believe that the German inspiration is too clear to make any appeal to the French people. New Party’s Programme. Tlie German news agency today stated that the new political movement founded in Paris is entitled “Rassemblement National Populuire.” Its programme states that the reconstruction of France depends on the unity of France witli Europe and the accomplishment of national revolution. The foreign policy of the movement includes defence of the mother country and the colonies, co-operation in the political, spiritual and economic reconstruction of Europe, and exploitation of Africa by European and Franco-Ger-man co-operation. The movement also advocates purification and perfection of the race and physical and spiritual resurrection of the French nation. • The economic programme provides for the establishment of a corporate economy directed by the -State, a currency guaranteed by the nation’s work, an improved standard of -living, the abolition of unemployment, and restriction of large business concerns. A London commentator who has lived in Paris said that reports that the Germans were organizing a “popular front” in Paris seemed too cynical to be true. The Nazi mind, however, did not see anything illogical in exalting today what it had condemned yesterday. Now Hitler had formed a “popular front” of his own, and had actually taken the name from the original Frencli people’s movement against which he had fulminated so often. The commentator said that when be was in Germany in 1936 the papers were full of caricatures of M. Blum and other leaders of the French “Popular Front,” and he had been told that the movement would be the ruin ot France. The villain of the piece was, of course, M. Laval, but he was in the background at the moment. This champion of collaboration with Germany was obviously plotting to overthrow the Vichy Government, take control, and sell out his country to the conquerors, 'but he would stiL hnv e French public opinion to reckon with.