IN FRANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1940, Page 5

IN FRANCE

A PROTEST

AT CERMAN ORDER,

(Per British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, July 11

Signs of friction between the French civil authorities and the German Army in the occupied portion of France are accumulating. The latest of these is a protest, to the German Armistice Dele- , gation regarding an order foreshadowing seizure by Nazis of all valuables in French banks. The text of this order is embodied in a communication which has been made by General Weygand, on behalf of the French Finance Ministry, to the French delegation on the Armistice Commission in Weisbaden. The order announces the taking over in that part of France that is occupied by German troops, of the control of foreign exchange, and states that all banks, including their, branches and agencies,, in Paris and in the department of Seine, will be required to submit a statement on their position as it stood on June 14th., 1940, with’ regard, firstly, to foreign exchange, but excluding Reichsmarks, Dutch, Belgian, French, Danish and Norwegian cmvns; secondly, their gold currency of all kinds, scrap and bar go}d; thirdly* their securities, shares and foreign bonds; fourthly, their French securities that are payable in the currency of countries other than those that are under German control; fifthly, their securities in the form of foreign assets; sixthly, the precious stones, and rough or unset diamonds; seventhly, their bank notes in Reichsmarks. Until further instructions, the banks are forbidden to dispose of the securities mentioned above. The circular adds that private safes belonging to banks’ clients are not to be opened except in the presence of German authorities (Devisen Scliutz Kommando) under conditions that are specified; and that the banks must submit a list of the; holders of strong-boxes, and the"dates of the last visits to them. V General Weygaud’s protest maintains that this circular is contrary to a clause in the Armistice, which stipulftpj'thatth&Ffenbh Govefnnfqnt is to/retain the administration of the occupied territories. ' . NOT , L.IKED BY /ENEMY. • '' ' VICHY, July 12. There has been ominous references in German and Italian broadcasts which suggest that the activities /of Marshal Retain’s Governmnet are being viewed now with increasing l "disfavour llbtli -fti? B@H inland-- in**Rome. PETAIN’S POWERS. AS CHIEF OF THE STATE. VICHY, July 12. Three decrees. have been issued by fbe Government. Under these, Marshal Retain, as the Chief of the French State, assumes' legislative powers pending the formation of the new Assemblies, and he- will have such powers, after the formation of . the Assemblies, in the event of any external or internal crisis. The French Senate and Chamber of Deputies will be meeting only when they are summoned by the Chief of the State, , ,' , . .. M. Lebrun (retiring President) has concurred in General Retain s decision, to take over the Presidency of France, and also in combining it .with the Premiership as the Chief of the State. M. Lebrun placed his services at Marshal Petain’s disposal, “with complete disinterestedness.” ATTACK ON JEWS.. LONDON July 12. >; The wireless in the German-occupied portion of France is continuing to make violent attacks on Jews. All of the crimes and the weaknesses leading to the French collapse are blamed on to Israel. The Jews are told: “You 'will pay!” the new constitution. (Received this day at 10.30 a.m.) VICHY, July 12, The new constitution' empowers Genera] Petain to promulgate laws, assure their execution, appoint and dismiss Ministers and all civilian and military officials, negotiate and ratify treaties, declare a state of siege. He is also given control of the army, the right of amnesty, but the assent of the legislature is necessary to a declaration ol war.