Vichy's Active Germany

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 122, 24 May 1941, Page 7

Vichy's Active Germany

Factories Working for Enemy on Large Scale HUGE SUPPLIES OF ESSENTIAL MATERIALS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrigh t. Received Friday, 9.10 p.m. LONDON, May 22. It is authoritatively stated that the Government has recently received clear evidence that German E-boats were using the lower passages of the R-kone for an outlet tp the Mediterranean. This is merely one example of Vichy’s collaboration with Germany. ‘xna Government has long known that Frencn industry has been working for the enemy on a considerable scale. French factories have been repairing German tanks and submarines and the motpr-car industry has been largely converted to aircraft production. A number of motor-car firms have subscribed to am agreement to collaborate with the German supply system. Britain learned in March that at least 20 firms in unoccupied France were turning out aircraft components, mot^or-boats, tank parts and munitions for the Germans. One quarter . of the mechanical and electrical industry is working for the Germans. It is estiated that 80 per cent, of the cargoes arriving at Marseilles have been passing on to Germany, Germany receiving chiefly ground nuts through Marseilles from which she derives fats. Tre French, moreover, have detained since the armistice 260,000 tons of British and Allied shipping m,ost of which is at Casablanca, Dakar and Marseilles. In the recent six weeks period the following goods have reached Germany from the unoccupied zone: Aluminium, 10,000 tens; magnesium, 8000 tons; bauxite, 38,000 tons; wopl, 30,000 tons; fruit, 60,000 tons. The Daily Telegraph asserts that as a result of these disclosures Britain will henceforth rigidly enforce the blockade against France. Britain hitherto has been technically blockading the whole of France but because of diplomatic considerations and naval limitations the blockade ! has n,ot been complete. Prominence is given in the whole of the evening Press to the Foreign Secretary’B strong declaration of policy on British relations with the Vichy Government and approval is warmly expressed of his statement.