Admiral's Talks

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 30, 5 February 1941, Page 7

Admiral's Talks

NEWS ABOUT MEETING VERY OBSCURE

LONDON, February 4.

Admiral Darlan, the French Minister of the Navy, has arrived back in Vichy after his talks in Paris with M. Laval. The admiral reported at once to Marshal Petain, and shortly afterwards M. Flandin (the Foreign Minister) and the Minister of War joined Marshal Petain to hear Admiral Darlan's'report.

News about the meeting is still very obscure. All sorts of rumours are circulating as to the outcome of the discussions, and it is pointed out in London that all these reports should be studied with more than usual care, as there is little doubt that many of them arc being spread abroad deliberately in order to keep the exact position submerged. So far the only official information about the Paris talks has come from Germany. The official German news agency has reported that.the general policies of the French nation were discussed.

Comment in llie British news-; papers suggests that Admiral Darlan probably took to Paris at least some indication of Marshal Petain's answer to Heir Hitler's latest note. The fact that Admiral Darlan, and not the Foreign Minister (M. Flandin), was sent to Paris, is regarded as an indication that the main point under discussion was the control of the French fleet on both sides of the Mediterranean —which the Germans undoubtedly would like to have in their power. It is also regarded as probable that the reinstatement of M. Laval in the Petain Government was discussed during the Paris talks. A third matter under discussion may have been the new political party, the formation of which the Germans have encouraged in Paris. Some reports suggest that M. Laval will try to use this new parly as a steppingstone to power, though his name has not yet appeared in the list of members. Meanwhile, the German radio station at Stuttgart has broadcast a warning to France not to place her hopes in a British victory. The broadcast suggested that too many Frenchmen are still turning their backs on such important questions as co-operation with Germany and the reorganisation of Europe, saying: "Let us wait and see how it all goes; probably Britain will win, and all will be well." "This attitude," the broadcast said, "shows an inexcusable frivolity bordering on high treason." The announcer went on to say that the defeat of Britain was only a matter of time. He added: "We state emphatically that the capitulation of the British Empire is inevitable; that the hour will strike when the German forces will install themselves on British soil in a blow that will be just as final as that which brought down Poland and France."