NAZI APPROVAL

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 174, 20 April 1942, Page 6

NAZI APPROVAL

Official Comment On Laval’s Return ANOTHER VIEW HELD IN FRANCE (By Teleg rn p h.— Press Ass n. —Co >- vri g b t.I (Received April 19, 7 p.m.) LONDON, April 18. Berlin radio, commenting on the Vichy Cabinet, says: “M. Laval, in his first term of office, showed understanding of the new order and opposed Communism. Germany, therefore, is not unfavourably disposed to his return. M. Laval is, no doubt, aware that he will have to start from scratch and that he has heavy tasks ahead. Germany will not be in his way when he tackles these tasks.” “The Times” correspondent on the French frontier says that because of Laval's return the strength of the French police has been hastily increased by nearly 4000 in the Seine Department, which includes Paris, and by 1500 in the unoccupied zone.

The German news agency reports from Vichy that M. Nomdamel, Con-troller-General of the French Criminal Police, has been relieved of bis post. The German authorities have announced the shooting of 35 more hostages in occupied France as a reprisal for attacks against German troops.

Mosco radio yesterday quoted a dispatch from Berne stating that cries of -We are betrayed again”- were heard during a demonstration against Laval at Clermont-Ferrand. A crowd became excited when Laval's appointment was announced by' loudspeaker. It is learned in London that the leader of the free Yugoslav army, General Mikhailovitcb, has appealed to Marshal Petain to "give the signal that is awaited by all the depressed people of Europe from the People of France to raise the banner of freedom which the French people for so many centuries waved at the head of the nations of Europe.” Buenos Aires reports that the French Ambassador in Argentina. M. Marcel Payrouton, has informed Marshal Petain of his resignation following the appointment of Laval.