DEMANDS MODIFIED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 281, 26 October 1940, Page 7

DEMANDS MODIFIED

MEETING WITH PETAIN. USE OF ATLANTIC BASES. LONDON, Oct. 25. It is announced in Berlin to-day that Hitler met the President of the French Council of Ministers (Marshal Petain) "somewhere in Prance" yesterday. The German Foreign Minister (von Ribbcntrop) and the Vice-President of the French Council of Ministers (M. Laval) ■were present at the conversations. A message from Vichy states that "the meeting took in Hitler's railway carriage in the "German-occu-pied zone of France. Marshal Petain thus entered the occupied zone for the first time since the nation's collapse. This meeting confirms reports that M. Laval was sent back to Vichy with a request that Marshal Petain himself should have a talk with Hitler. Various statements from the Vichy' side have indicated hopes of gaining the release of nearly 2,000,000 French prisoners of war and permission for the Government to return to Paris. Several reports agree that the German demands have been very much toned down and that the Germans now desire above all the use of naval and air bases in France and in French North African territory.

The increasing firmness of the Vichy Government against being driven into hostile action against Britain may have forced Hitler to give up h.s cherished hopes and-put forward less stringent demands. Berlin officials declare to-day that the meeting was "historical and symbolical" ana speak of a spiritual revolution and Pan-European Union. In Washington the outcome of the discussion is ooing awaited with interest. The Assistant Secretary of State (Mr Welles) was in conference with the Vichv Ambassador last night and is keeping President Iloosevelt fully informed of developments.

NEW PEACE CAMPAIGN

The London Daily Telegraph says reports circulating in Vichy diplomatic circles declare that France might launch a new peace campaign on behalf of the Axis, it is emphasised in Berlin that Hitler's manoeuvres are posaibly designed to persuade the United States of the hopelessness of the British cause. A report that Hitler discussed with General Franco the possible use of Atlantic bases is cited as an example or the way in which Hitler could impress the United States. The Telegraph's Grenoble correspondent says the Vichy Government seem to have reached the contusion that Hitler intends to proceed With a* '•new order" in Europe before the end of the war. Vichy circles tear I< ranee -will "miss the bus;' unless she is complaisant to the'Axis. An article in I'lllustration champions a. rapprochement with Germany and suggests writing "finis" to the Entente Cordiale. . „• „ The Vichy communique announcing the Hitler-Petain f! '"I lnrVelv "France's position and future largely depend on this historical meeting. The British Associated Press Ber m correspondent says informed circles in dicate P that Spain does not intend to declare war at present But t ere is no longer a doubt of Sparn Jaco m the Axis scheme," he adds. ow^ h l she is unable to embark on a war With out replenishing her food, munitions and oil reserves."