PETAIN’S POWER

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 175, 21 April 1942, Page 5

PETAIN’S POWER

Assurances To French People SCEPTICAL COMMENT IN LONDON (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, April 19. In a broadcast tonight to the French people, Marshal Petain asserted that M. Laval would be under his supervision; he would exercise, under the Marshal’s authority, direction of the internal and external policy of the Government. “I was with M. Laval at the tragic moment of our disaster,” Marshal Petain, said. “I founded a new order to effect the reconstruction of France. Today, at a moment as decisive as June, 1940, I find myself with him again for the purposes of resuming the work of national and European construction and reorganization, the foundations of which we lai_d. together. Frenchmen, your wisdom, patience and patriotism will help to overcome all ordeals and miseries. Support the Government. It gives you new grounds for belief and hope.” When Laval today began work at the Hotel du Parc as Chief of the Government, his first visitor was Petain, with whom he had “a long and cordial talk.” Laval also saw Admiral Darlan, and authorized circles stated that 1 there was a complete accord of views between the two.

In an interview, Laval said: “I was very touched by the welcome Marshal Petain has given me. Many difficulties have been smoothed out. My task is greatly facilitated by the Chief of the State’s very clear understanding of the present situation. “It is not correct to say that Marshal Petain ha« relinquished his powers. lam head of the Government by virtue of the power which Marshal Petain has delegated to me; but his authority is indispeusible for tlie accomplishment of my mission. I shall find it necessary, if I am to succeed, to support myself by his wisdom and experience.” “Darlan No Traitor.” The “Daily Telegraph” says Laval, when he was previously a member of the French Cabinet, never informed Marshal Petain fully before taking action, and still less did he ask for Petain’s approval. The hand of Petain can be detected in only one Cabinet appointment—that of Admiral Darlan, who hitherto has been regarded with disfavour by the Germans and who is no traitor.” The Vichy Cabinet includes only six members who held office under Marshal Petain; they are MM. Romier. Barthelemy, Barnaud, Marion.. Ben-oist-Mechin, and Platon. In Berlin an official Government spokesman declared that Germany had had no hand in Laval’s return to power A German newspaper says that though Laval himself is ready to cooperate, it is up to the French people to prove how far they are willing to make their contribution. Commenting on the ordinary Frenchman’s “co-operation” the Free French Minister to the Soviet Union in a broadcast today said that the French people were preparing for the hour of revenge by sabotage, by wearing down the morale of the enemy, and ‘by organizing small groups of trusted friends. The people were looking forward shortly to an uprising. The Vichy correspondent of the American Associated Press says that 35 additional hostages have been shot in occupied France as a reprisal for attacks against German occupation troops. Fifteen were shot, according to a Calais newspaper, as the result of attacks on the Calais railway, ami 20 for fresh attacks on German soldiers in Bruay. The German authorities at Vichy announced that a new attack has been made on the Nazi headquarters at Arras and stated that reprisals are being taken against the population.