FRENCH STUNNED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20621, 24 November 1941, Page 5

FRENCH STUNNED

WEYGAND’S DISMISSAL NAZIS MAY PUSH CLAIMS AFRICAN TERRITORIES (Reed. Nov. 24, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. General Weygand’s dismissal from the post of delegate-general in North Africa has stunned the French public, says The Times correspondent on the French frontier. It is generally believed that his departure will be a prelude to more important events, such as new German claims regarding, the North African territories and the ports to which the Vichy Government may agree. The loss of General Huntziger and General Weygand lessens resistance to collaboration. Authoritative sources in London say that General Weygand’s dismissal was precipitated by the British advance into Libya. A Vichy message states there is no official reaction to the United States suspension of economic assistance to North Africa. "

Reuter’s say that circles in contact with Vichy reveal that General Weygand’s dismissal was the result of 48 hours’ ultimatum from Herr Abetz, the German Ambassador m Paris, during his visit to Vichy. A semi-official reply given in Vichy to the note from the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, blaming Hitler for General Weygand’s removal, stated that . the French Government is always able to replace persons occupying official posts. It does not see how the change can effect diplomatic relations between America and Vichy.