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Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 198, 19 May 1941, Page 7

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U.S.A.’s Attitude To Vichy STATUS OF FRENCH COLONIES Effect Of Latest Move (By Telegraph. —Press Assn. Copyright.) WASHINGTON, May 16. The Associated Press reports tiiat the United States, except for diplomatic formalities, has reached an open break with the Vichy Government. The Administration believes that the Petain regime has embraced a programme of increasing partnership with Germany and henceforth must be considered in the same category as other Nazi-dominated nations.

The new situation has thrust into the foreground the future status of French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, particularly Martinique , where 100 American planes are held up, as well as the aircraft-carrier Bearn and other ships, and also about 250.000.000 dollars in French gold. , President Roosevelt, at his Hess conference today, declared that freedom of the seas was a historic American policy. Germany’s proclamation that the Red Sea was a danger zone was a pointed i-emin'der that twice previously the United States had used warships to protect her commerce. President. Roosevelt declined to discuss hypothetical questions and talk in glittering generalities. He said that international conditions were too serious for him to interpret or for unn to comment, further on the implications of his appeal to the French people not to collaborate with Germany. The President dismissed _ a barrage of questions as too hypothetical, including the following: Is there likely to be a change of status at Martinique? Will Admiral Leahy, Ambassador to France, be recalled to report to Washington? Would any additional steps be taken regarding ’the French situation? The “New York Post” lias a headline: “United States may seize Martinique.” Senator Lee asked in the Senate it the United States navy would .seize Dakar and also convoy supplies to Britain as the best means of America avoiding total war.

TRUSTING IN HITLER

Explanation By Vichy

( Received May 18, 8.30 p.m.) VICHY, May 17.

France has confidence in Hitler’s word, declared a French Government spokesman, countering President Roosevelt’s statement. He emphasized that Marshall Petain used the word collaboration as meaning political and economic and not military.

SHARP COMMENT BY CORDELL HULL

French Action Condemned

(Received May IS. 9.10 p.m. i WASHINGTON, May 18.

The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, at a Press conference, struck out sharply at France, sarcastically referring to the Vichy explanations of the Franco-German "collaboration” agreement. Strongly supporting President Roosevelt's statement condemning the agreement, Mr. Hull described the Vichy explanation as rhetoric. “Enough facts of the circumstances have filtered in hereto support President Roosevelt’s statement completely,” he said. Mr. Hull’s vigorous attitude btrs caused fresh conjecture on the possibility of American action to protect the western hemisphere defences, including the seizure of Martinique, Dakar and other strategic French colonies. Mr. Hull will make an important speech at 2.30 p.m. (New Zealand time) on Monday.

GREEK AERODROMES BOMBED Extensive British Air Activity (British Official Wireless.j i Received May 18. 7.5 p.m. I RUGBY, May 17. "Extensive lighter patrols were carried out by aircraft of the Royal Air Force and South African Air Force yesterdav, .says an R.A.F. Middle East communique. “Enemy mechanized columns and troop concentrations were attacked and a Messerschmitt 101' was shot down by R.A.F. fighters and a JuS7 destroyed bv the South African Air Force near Akroma. R.A.F. bombers previously had been active in night raids on Benghazi, Derna, El Gazala and Barce. At each place considerable damage was done and fires and explosions caused. “Details are now available of lieav.v raids which were carried out on Greek aerodromes, where large fires and explosions were also caused. At Menidi two aircraft were destroyed on the ground and direct hits were obtained on hangars and buildings. Fires were started in the hangars. “Operations in Abyssinia have been mainly confined to reconnaissance flights, harassing the enemy' by machinegun attacks and bombing enemy positions. From all the operal ions reported (including others in Iraq) six of out aircraft are missing but the pilot of one fighter is safe.’-)’ DEFENCE OF CRETE Greek Determination Expressed LONDON, May 15. ’ •■Hellenism is grimly determined to carry on lite light at the side of Britain to (he last man,” declared a member of I lie Greek Cabinet. M. Nieoloudis, at Canea. Crete. "Any seaborne invasion of Crete is doomed to failure. The air menace is being fought ami the morale of the population is high. "The Greek Heel, is Co-operating with the British Navy, and Greek pilots will soon be participating with the R.A.F. impoftanl forces which fought their way out of Greece are now somewhere in I lie AHddle East, anxious to make the Axis pay for its treacherous aggression. Greece lias been told that her reserves are safe.” TOWNS IN CRETE BOMBED i Received May 18. 7.5 p.m.) I.< >N DON. May 17. Il is b arneil that there Ims been eonsidei a lih’ ai r ai't i'it y in t'rele. Malena ami Heraklion were humbed fi, the enemv, I here being m> damage or casualties. Five enemy planes were brought down