BRITAIN AND VICHY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1941, Page 7

BRITAIN AND VICHY

MR. EDEN’S WARNING “FREE TO ATTACK” [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, May 22. An important statement on British relations with the Vichy Government, in the light of recent developments, was made in the Commons by Mr. Eden, who said: It was announced in Vichy on May 14, that Admiral Darlan’s report on his visit to Hitler had been unanimously approved by the Vichy Government, and that the effect of these deliberations would shortly be felt. On the following day, Marshal Petain broadcast a short statement to the French people, appealing for unquestioning acceptance of whatever results might issue from the negotiations between Admiral Darlan and the German Government. These negotiations have been described in Vichy as opening up a new phase in Franco-German collaboration, of which no doubt the action of the Vichy Government in allowing Syrian aerodromes to be used by German aircraft is an example. Mr. Roosevelt has stated clearly his views of this new sinister development in Vichy policy, and the United States Government has already taken certain preventive action in regard to French shipping in United States ports. In the confused and uneasy explanations which have been put out in Vichy, it has been suggested that the policy of collaboration between Vichy and Germany is to be political and economic only, and it has been stated that Vichy has no intention of attacking Britain, and still less the United States. These explanations cannot conceal that Vichy has embarked upon a course which must place the resources and territories of France and her empire increasingly at the disposal of the Power which is an enemy not only of France’s former ally, but of France herself. The French people will, the British Government is sure,- regard this policy as incompatible with the honour of France, nor will they believe that the future of France and her empire will be better served by surrendering them to Hitler’s so-called new order, than by resolutely maintaining and’defending their independence until such time as the victorious Allies shall complete their liberation. Britain must, however, take account of the acts of Vichy. Il Vichy in pursuance of its declared policy of collaboration with the enemy, take ■ action or permit action detrimental to oui conduct of the war, or designed to assist the enemy’s effort, we shall naturally hold ourselves free io attack the enemy wherever he may be found, and in so doing, we shall no longer feel bound to draw any distinction between occupied and unoccupied territory in the execution ol military plans. j On August 7, Britain assured General de Gaulle that it was Britain s determination, when victory was won, to secure the full restoration of the independence and greatness o. France. It rests with the French people to determine whether they will play a part in assisting those woo continued the fight for the liberation of France, or whether France henceforth will serve in the ranks of Germany’s, satellites.

hitler expects war. j ministry OF PROFITEERS. c LONDON, May 22. c Among the advantages Herr Hitler f expects from Vichy’s compliance is c the production of a state of affans c amounting to war between France and i Britain, resulting from hostilities be- s tween Vichy and the Free French e troops and from other action against 1 the Allies which Vichy admits that it j is contemplating. 1 The Ministry of Economic Warfare 1 has announced that it has gained pos- 1 session of an order signed on behalf ; of Admiral Darlan instructing the cap- i tains of French merchantmen to scuttle their ships to avoid capture by the British. J “The Times” says there is apparent- > ly no German demand, however hu- 1 miliating, which the Vichy Govern- < ment can or will refuse. The extent ' of French complicity in Germany s ■ military operations is attested by 1 abundant evidence. Vichy so far has withheld from the French nation Mr. ' Roosevelt’s recent protest and warn- : ing. The men of Vichy hgve no bbisions regarding the detestation which their policy would provoke among the masses of the French people, who ai heart are still loyal to their old sympathies and still imbued with the traditional love of freedom, but France is suffering absolute bankruptcy in leadership. Marshal Petain’s rule is clearly no more than nominal. His policy is dictated and carried out by men without loyalty, without conviction, and without any programme except personal profit and advancement. The meeting of the Vichy Cabinet in Paris was announced by the Official German News Agency, which said Admiral Darlan, the Vice-Premier, presided. According to the Madrid correspondent of the “Daily Mail,” General yon Brauchitsch has gone to Paris for important talks which may decide the future extent of French collaboration with Germany. He met General von Stuelpnagel, who is commanding the German Army of Occupation and who is also participating in the talks. The Vichy correspondent of the British United Press says General Hunt- ‘ ziger, the Vichy Minister for National ' Defence, and M. Bouthillier, the Minister for Finance, have joined Admiral Darlan in Paris. The “Daily Telegraph” says yesterday’s meeting of the members of the French Cabinet in Paris may be pre--5 liminary to the regular operation of 5 the French Government from Paris, f but Germany has not yet made this ) concession.

BLUM’S SECRETARY ARRESTED - (Recd. May 23, 12.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 22. Andre Blumel, who was private secretary to M. Blum, (Socialist exPremier), was arrested while attempting to cross the French frontier into Spain. The German News/Agency stated that' the Reich Finance Minister, Count von Krosigk, has arrived in Paris, for talks with the German authorities. NO EMBASSIES AT PARIS (Recd. May 23, noon) LONDON, May 22. It is officially announced from Berlin that all nations have been asked

to close their Embassies and Legations in Paris. The measure is not directed at any particular country, but is designed to concentrate all the diplomatic missions at Vichy, which is the present capital of France. There is no objection to any nation having diplomatic relations with Germany, maintaining Consulates in Paris. FRENCH TANKER SEIZED (Recd. May 23, 1.20 p.m.) LONDON, May 22. British naval patrols “picked up” the French oiltanker, Scheherazede, in the Atlantic, carrying a cargo of oil from a United States port to Casablanca. The British authorities granted the Scheherazede a navicert some time ago, but because of the recent developments in Vichy’s attitude, decided to take action. GERMANS IN MOROCCO. RUGBY, May 22. . German penetration into French Morocco continues, apparently under the general direction of the German Commissions established there. This operates throughout the sections. One is a naval and military control commission, and the other is industrial and economic. It is noteworthy that the majority of the personnel are military officers, who appear to suffer from no lack of cars, petrol, or money. Meanwhile, there is fairly-constant infiltration by “tourists,” who have already succeeded in exercising a i certain amount of authority.