AT BEHEST OF NAZIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 12, 12 December 1942, Page 5

AT BEHEST OF NAZIS

LAVAL THE PUPPET. (Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 11. The German intention to force the formation of a single party from the collaborationists throughout France is emerging from the confusion surrounding -Laval's recent visits to Paris. The German News Agency predicted the early elimination of small groups and Laval's assumption of power over a single organisation. The Times correspondent on the French frontier asserts that the issue is still in doubt because of Laval's inflexible opposition to the inclusion of Deat and Doriot, both of whom are seeking German favours in. Paris. Meanwhile, Laval continues his wholesale arrests in the former Vichy zone, including Eugene de Loncle, who is Deat's former collaborator. He is an extreme Rightist and former head of the Cagoulards. His arrest is ascribed to his "contacts with Darlan and Pucheu". Others who have been arrested are General Doyen, M. Lazara (a former French Representative), also M. Champetier and M. de Ribes, a former Minister of Pensions who was prominent in the Democrate Populaire Catholic group. M. de Ribes has hitherto been regarded as extremely pro-Germnn and the German principal "leak" in the Vichv zone. Despite Laval's dislike for Doriot and Deat, the German News Agency reports that Deat's party, the Reassomblement National, is prepared to join Laval.