BILL TO FRANCE MAY BE REDUCED

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 180, 28 April 1941, Page 8

BILL TO FRANCE MAY BE REDUCED

Nazi Collaboration Bribe (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, April 25. Marshal Petain's deputy, Admiral Darlan, is reported to have returned to Vichy after a visit to Paris which it is believed in London, was in connexion with negotiations for closer co-opera-tion between the French and German Governments. No information regarding the visit has been disclosed but a meeting of the French Cabinet was held on Admiral Darlan’s return. One of the most likely concessions the Nazis might offer is a reduction of the cost of Germany’s occupation of France. Should this be the case it is probable Admiral Darlan will describe such an offer as a further example of Nazi “generosity” but the French people will be disinclined to consider the matter in the same light when the present dally payment of four hundred million francs to Germany is consider-

Should any reduction of this daily burden be considered it will only be because the Nazis have found that the payment of this sum is beyond France’s capability for the extended period of occupation which the Germans must now contemplate.

Nottingham, one of the chief centres of the tobacco industry in Britain, is now without cigarettes. Notices stating “No cigarettes” are displayed by 90 per cent, of lhe tobacconists. Many remaining shops are shut, some permanently and others till fresh supplies are received.