LAVAL OUSTS HENCHMAN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 256, 28 September 1942, Page 5

LAVAL OUSTS HENCHMAN

LONDON, Sept. 27. A Vichy report states that Benoist Mechin' has been dismissed from office as a Secretary of State and president of the Tricolor (Fascist Legion) for alleged intriguing cgainst Laval. Following rumours that a change of Government was impending, Laval made a statement to the Press: "The Government is most solid. Marshal Pctain is in excellent health. There is no reason for a change and nothing can prevent me serving my country." A later report says that Laval explained why he had dismissed Mechin. He admitted that Mechin was too dangerous, and he would not tolerate any attacks on the authority of his Government. He was determined to complete his task. There was no reason why his Government should not stand firm. Mechin has always been one of the most ardent advocates of complete collaboration with Germany and it is suggested that he has been intriguing with the Nazis, suggesting that he can secure more complete subservience on the part of Vichy than Laval has been able to accomplish. Admiral Platon and Count de Brinon remain Secretaries of State.

A New York report says it is persistently rumoured from France that Generals Weygand and Giraud eluded the vigilance of guards and escaped to England. Vichy has not mentioned their "whereabouts in the last two months. General Weygand was last reported to arrived at Aix les Bains for a cure. General Giraud was last mentioned as having interviewed Marshal Petain after his escape from Germany.