EDEN to VICHY: Britain Free To Attack Enemy Wherever He May Be Found

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1941, Page 6

EDEN to VICHY: Britain Free To Attack Enemy Wherever He May Be Found

[British Official Wireless] (Received noon). RUGBY. May 2^. AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT ON BRITISH RELATIONS WITH THE VICHY GOVERNMENT IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, WAS MADE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS BY THE FOREIGN SECRETARY (MR. EDEN), WHO SAID: . , , , “It was announced in Vichy on May 14 that Admiral Darlan s report on his visit to Hitler had been unanimously approved by the Vichy Government and the effect of these deliberations would shortly be felt. “The following day Marshal Retain broadcast a short statement to the French people appealing for unquestioning acceptance of whatever results might issue from negotiations between Admiral Darlan and the German government.

Syrian Example. “These negotiations have been described in Vichy as opening up a new phase in Franco-German collaboration, of which, no doubt, action by the Vichy Government is allowing the Syrian aerodromes to be used by German aircraft is an example. “Mr. Roosevelt has stated clearly his views of this new and sinister development in Vichy policy and the United States Government has already taken certain preventative action in regard to French shipping in United States ports. “In the confused and uneasy explanations which have been put out in Vichy ft has been suggested that the policy of collaboration between Vichy and Germany is to be political and economic only, and it has been stated that Vichy has no intention of attacking Britain and still less the United States. Incompatible With Honour.

by abundant evidence. The Vichy Government has so far withheld from the French nation President Roosevelt’s recent protest and his warning in regard to the possible fate of Martinique and Dakar. The men of Vichy can have no illusions in regard to the detestation their policy would provoke, among the masses of the French people, who at heart are still loyal to their old sympathies and still imbued with their traditional love of freedom. Bankruptcy of Leadership.

But France is suffering from an absolute bankruptcy of leadership. Marshal Petain’s rule clearly being no more than nominal. The policy dictated to them by Germany is carried out by men without conviction, without loyalty and without any programme except personal profit and advancement.

“These explanations cannot conceal that Vichy has embarked upon a course which must place her resources and the territories of her Empire increasingly at the disposal of a power which is the enemy not only of France’s • former ally, but of France herself.

According to the correspondent of the “Daily Mail” in Madrid, General von Brauchitsch has gone to Paris for important talks. These talks may decide the extent of Franco-German collaboration in the future.

The General was met by General von Stuelpnagel, the commander of the German army of occupation, who is also to participate in the talks. The American Associated Press correspondent at Vichy, says the Vichy Minister for Defence (General Huntziger), and the Minister for Finance (Bouthillfer), have joined Admiral Darlan in Paris.

“The French people will, the British Government is sure, regard this policy as incompatible with the honour of France, nor will they believe that the future of France and her empire will be better served by surrendering them to Hitler’s so-called new order than by resolutely maintaining and defending her independence until such time as the victorious Allies shall complete their liberation.

The correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” on the French frontier considers that the Wednesday meeting of the French Cabinet in Paris may be a preliminary to the regular operation of the French Government from Paris, although Germany has not yet made this concession.

“Britain, must, however, take ac count of the acts of Vichy. No Distinction

“If Vichy, in pursuance of its declared policy of collaboration with the enemy, takes action or permits action detrimental to our conduct of the war, or designed to assist the enemy’s efforts, we shall naturally hold ourselves free to attack the enemy wherever he may be found and, in so doing, we shall no longer feel bound to draw any distinction between occupied and unoccupied territory in the execution of our military plans. “On August 7 Britain assured General de Gaulle that it was Britain’s determination when victory was won to. secure the full restoration end independence and greatness of France. It rests with the French people to determine whether they will play a part in assisting those who continued the fight for liberation of France, or whether France henceforth will serve in the ranks of Germany's satellites.” Adopt Axis Technique

Before holding this cabinet meeting, Darlan had to consult the German representative in Paris (Abetz). The French Minister to Bolivia has resigned because he disagreed with the policy of the Vichy Government.

The Ministry for Economic Warfare has announced that the British have gained possession of an order signed on behalf of Admiral Darlan instructing captains of French merchantmen to scuttle their ships rather than allow them to be captured by the British. “The Times," commenting cn this, says there does not seem to be any German demand, however humiliating, which the Vichy Government can or will refuse. The extent of French complicity in German military operations is attested