FRANCE & GERMANY

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1941, Page 5

FRANCE & GERMANY

STAND BY ARMISTICE Is Outlook Easier ? [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, February 9. It is officially announced from Vichy that M. Flandin has resigned as Foreign Minister. . The Vichy radio stated Giat au rniral Darlan replaces M. Fland.m He also becomes vice-Pnemwr, aim retains the naval portfol.o. . In an article on the att.tude of Vichy Government, entitled T ncil o" nity and Honour," ‘‘Le Journal’ says: We are sti.l loyal guatdiam o, our Empire, even at the price of our blood. Marshal Petain by tho armistice saved three things—the freedom of France, the Flee', and tne Empire. The Fleet we le-armed to defend the Empire. This appeared necessary, even to the conquerors “Le Journal" quotes th,? Nachrichten” as saying that Marsmil Petain in June might have obtained more-favourable but h? preferred French honour, To-day, will make no concession that word , infringe the honour oi France. “Le Journal" ’continues: Our sem-.-ments are unchanged. W e ar e stm loyal guardians of our Empire, and shall remain so. (Received February 10, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, February 10. The communique in which M Flandin’s resignation from the Cabinet was announced stated: M. F la ’ v din who responded to the Marshal s appeal, when, at a delicate moment Marshal Petain asked for his collaboration, has considered -t ms duty to place his office at the disposal of Marshal Petain. This gives the great soldier complete liberty m taking all of the measures that are required by the present situation. “Admiral Darlan’s conversations al Paris, after the recent interview between Marshal Petain and M. Laval, at La Ferte, gave the Montoire policy a new reality. Tlt? situation this has created will probably yead to decisions in the near iuture. The Montoire policy means one that was agreed on by Marshal Petain and Herr Hitler at their meeting at Montoire. There the Marshal accepted the principle of French-Ger-man collaboration, with adherence to the terms of the armistice. M. Flandin’s letter of resignation to Marshal Petain declared: "On December 14, you appointed me as Minister for Foreign Affairs, after events concerned with internal policy in which I .played n 0 part. I gave myself to the tasks which you laid down —I put in effect a policy of collaboration regarding the armistice terms with dignity and honour. It did not rest with me whether the policy would be executed. Force of circumstances compels me to affirm this fact. Therefore I ask you fb accept my resignation.” ANTI-PETAIN agitation. (Received February 10, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, February 10. A campaign of vicious attacks on Marshal Petain and on the Vichy Government is being continued in the Paris press. NOT SO HOPEFUL (Received February 11, 12.38 a.m.) LONDON, February 10. The Toulouse radio said that M. Flandin resigned from the Cabinet at Vichy because of a personal campaign against him in the Paris Press The announcer added: “A difficult situation has arisen in our relations with the occupying Power. While, under M. Flandin’s policy, collaboration was continued in technical matters, the German authorities maintain opposition in the political field.’’