Syria Favours Free French Cause

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 61, 12 March 1941, Page 7

Syria Favours Free French Cause

VICHY’S DIFFICULTY LONDON, March 10. Official circles at Vichy insist that there was no exceptional reason for Admiral Darlan’s most recent visit to Paris, says the correspondent of the Times on the French frontier. They say the visit was simply within the framework of the social activity of the VicePresident, who intends frequently to interview the French and German authorities in the occupied zone. Admiral Darlan is reported to have had a most cordial conversation with Hitler’s representative in Paris, Otto Abetz. “Reports say that it is a commoa secret that public opinion in Syria ha* created a dangerous situation and made necessary the consultations between General Weygand and Marshal Petain,** says the German newspaper Neuste Nachrichten. “Vichy until now has supJ pressed all news confirming that the population of Syria, owing to the activities of British agents, increasingly favours General Catroux and General * de Gaulle, the Free French leaders. Ail the news from Syria shows that Vichy must soon reach a decision. We think ( it necessary to warn Vichy to refrain from actions which would involve dangerous consequences.” It is revealed that all the Bank of France’s gold reserves, totalling 1000million dollars, were deposited at Martinique last June. The gold was conveyed by a cruiser when the Somme front was pierced and it was realised that long resistance was impossible* Fourteen thousand sacks were collected and rushed to the cruiser, which reached Martinique on June 22.