LAVAL OUSTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20431, 16 December 1940, Page 7

LAVAL OUSTED

VICHY CABINET DISPUTE WITH PET AIN REPORTED PRISONER ATTITUDE TO GERMANY FLANDIN AS SUCCESSOR (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 16, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 15. A Vichy report states that the French Foreign Minister, M. Pierre Laval, has resigned and that a decree abolishes his rights of succession to the position of the Chief of State. M. Pierre Flandin, another proNazi, will succeed him.

The Prime Minister, Marshal Petain in a broadcast address, said M. Laval was no longer part of the Government because of “the interest of the country.”

Marshal Petain added that the policy of the Government towards Germany was unchanged, and he also said: “I have taken the decision for reasons of internal policy. I will remain at the helm. The national revolution will continue.”

A communique issued after Marshal Petain’s broadcast stated that M Flandin was more capable of arranging a rapprochement with Germany.

The constitutional Act nominating M. Laval as Marshal Petain’s successor has been revoked. The Council of Ministers henceforth will elect the successor by a majority.

The Free French news agency states that M. Laval’s departure proves the increasing power of public opinion in France, where M. Laval’s unpopularity increased to hatred.

It is recalled that M. Flandin congratulated Herr Hitler after the Munich agreement and recently endorsed the new order, but he is not, like M. Laval, the personification ol hostility to Britain.

M. Flandin recently has been cherishing an idea of mediating between Britain and Germany, for which reason he may pursue a more flexible foreign policy. M. Flandin’s appointment does not guarantee a rapprochement with Britain, but he will not forget that public opinion brought down M. Laval.

It is reported in Zurich that M. Laval was arrested after a Cabinet meeting, apparently on the eve of his departure for a conference with Herr Hitler.

The American National Broadcasting Company’s reporter, Mr. Max Jordan, broadcasting from Basle, said M. Laval had been placed in Vichy gaol. He added that M. Laval was ousted because he attempted to persuade Marshal Petain to accept Germany’s latest peace offer in return for the co-operation of the French navy against Britain. Marshal Petain refused, according to Mr. Jordan, whereupon M. Laval was forced to quit when he tried to put pressure on 4 he marshal.