TREATED WITH RESERVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 30 December 1940, Page 6

TREATED WITH RESERVE

LONDON OPINION MANY RESTRAINING FACTORS [British Official Wireless) RUGBY, 28th December. Reports from various quarters suggesting that critical develop-

ments are pending in the relations between the Nazis and Vichy are prominently reproduced in the Press. However, observers here with access to reliable sources of information are inclined to treat reports such as that an extension of German occupation is imminent or that Marshal Petain and his colleagues contemplate leaving Vichy for French North Africa with considerable reserve.

All the evidence points to a tendency since the eclipse of M. Laval of there being more of threats and less of flattery in the Nazis’ mode of address toward Vichy. This may reflect disappointment at the failure of hopes which some Nazi circles, perhaps encouraged by M. Laval’s entourage, had built up o£ obtaining from conquered France complaisance and collaboration which Marshal Petain and his colleagues could not find compatible with French honour or interest

It is perhaps significant that at the same time as the Nazis are making their demands under threat, German propaganda in France is at pains to exculpate the Germans from the charge of having brought distress and want to France. The truth is that not only is France bearing an immense financial burden in paying for the German occupation and having to deprive her population of essential foods to feed the forces of occupation, but also sorely needed supplies are being systematically taken from France to be exported to Germany.

Diplomatic circles in London are disinclined to hazard any views as to the outcome of the present phase of the special strain between Vichy and the Nazis. There is no doubt that the Nazis are in a position to exert very strong pressure, but on the other hand the situation contains a number of elements which should enable Marshal Petain and his colleagues to resist. Those who have followed the developments in France since the campaign with the keenest interest are those who express most doubt as to whether the Nazis will secure the acquiescence of Vichy now for terms and conditions going beyond those of the treaty itself.