Squeezing Out Vichyites In Overseas France

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 59, 11 March 1943, Page 5

Squeezing Out Vichyites In Overseas France

THREE IMPORTANT FIGURES MAY GO Received Wednesday, 9.45 p.m. NEW YORK, Mar. 9. The displacement of the SecretaryGeneral of the North African Government (M. Bergeret) and GovernorGeneral Nogues is expected to follow the current High Council meeting, says the New York Times’ correspondent, Drew Middleton, writing from Algiers. He adds that these changes would eliminate from General Giraud’s organisation two officials, whose pasts are linked with /ic and this should be the best possible proof for doubters in Britain and America that the present Government is doing its utmost to cleanse itself of the elements not a 100 per cent, behind the war to death with Germany. General Catroux, who is returning to Algiers shortly, was previously mentioned as the successor of either 'Nogues or Bergeret. Mr. Middleton believes that Bergeret’s post is going to a French political figure, whose presence in North Africa has not yet been revealed. The pressure being exerted on Admiral Robert through the halting of food shipments to Martinique is tne result of his refusal to co-operate in an affirmative programme aiding the United Nations, says the New York Times’ Washington correspondent. Conversations have been proceeding for some time, but he has not given any, sign of altering his course. Although no specific measures have been discussed, it would help greatly if he sent sugar and other island products to North Africa for which the admiral has two cargo vessels available. The United States has not suggested that he hand over the warships in' his custody, but has made it clear that he cannot expect to sit comfortably under the protection oi the hemispheric defence without taking action himself.