EXPLOITATION OF MOROCCO

Evening Star, Issue 23845, 27 March 1941, Page 9

EXPLOITATION OF MOROCCO

INFLUX OF GERMAN OFFICIALS “ CLASSICAL ‘ FIFTH COLUMN ’ TYPE ” PERMITS GRANTED BY ADMIRAL BARLAIi LONDON, March 25. The diplomatic •correspondent of tha ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ says that 280 German officials calling themselves civilian members of tho Armistice Commission are expected to reach Algiers during the next few days. This does not include the steady stream of “ tourists ” and other agents from Germany. Theseofficials, to whom Admiral Darlun has given permits, are of the classical “fifth column” type and consist of members of the Gestapo, graduates from Germany’s Arab language training schools, and economic experts. After their arrival in Algiers they cross Algeria and Morocco by rail to Casablanca. It is understood that General Weygand mildly protested to Marshal Petain against the new incursion, which is especially important, because, instead of the Germans regaining in a single group in Casablanca, General Weygand has been called on to offer them facilities to establish themselves throughout important centres in Morocco. General Weygand argues i’,.:it the presence of so many Germans will cause resentment among his younger officers, resulting in increased sentiment in favour of General De Gaulle. General Weygand, however, continues to shield himself behind the prestige of Marshal Petain when his own inertia is criticised. Neither Marshal Petain nor General Weygand is in a position to override Admiral Darlan’s arrangements with the Germans, therefore the new batch immediately began spying on military and aviation organisations in Morocco* distributing money and propaganda among the natives. The ultimate object of these spies is believed to be disruption of local administration, with a view to securing as speedily as possible naval and air bases for Germany on the west coast of Morocco, with the double purpose of attacking seaborne commerce and paving the way for full-scale invasion and exploitation of Morocco,