Vichy Tries Hard For Lifting Of British Blockade

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 6

Vichy Tries Hard For Lifting Of British Blockade

(Received 1.30 p.m.) VICHY. August 15.

M. Bnudouin, in a statement, said that the utmost was being done to persuade Britain to permit the importation of food to France. "I know Britain considers the blockade one of her best weapons. "Sentiment at present does not govern the relations of States who were united by a long comradeship in arms, but Britain ought, to use the weapon with more consideration, in view of the enormous sacrifices France had made, and also Frances’ tragic position," said M. Bnudouin. Germany’s Guarantee.

"A blockade directed against Germany. via France, will strike vanquished France, but its effect on Germany is problematical. "Germany agreed to guarantee that goods imported to France will be reserved for French civilians.

"If my request goes unheard, all France must know that everything possible has been done and endure her privations. "The people must not then unjustly accused either the Government or the occupying authorities for her misfortune." Propaganda Discounted. A message from London says that the authorities discount German propaganda that Britain is forcing Europe to famine. li is estimated that there are nearly 10,090,0(10 tons of bread grains in Europe, in addition to foodstuff;.', such as: dried miik, \v hich was formerly exported to Britain. If Germany distributed the food equitably among the occupied territories there would he sufficient to stave off actual hunger for a considerable time.