MILITARY PACT CONFIRMED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 19 May 1941, Page 5

MILITARY PACT CONFIRMED

Sharp Criticism in United States DANGER SEEN TO WESTERN HEMISPHERE London, May 1 8. Sharp criticism of the Vichy Government for allowing bases in Syria to be used by the Germans contniues to be made in the United States. Last night Mr Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, said that from the latest information received, he was able to confirm that the recent Franco-German agreement was definitely of a military character. Mr Hull further said that official reports received in the United States justified President Roosevelt’s condemnation of the Vichy Government. The official reports confirmed that Franco-German collaboration would be dangerous to the Western Hemisphere. Britain’s prompt action in bombing German bases in Syria and Iraq is described in most British newspapers as the result of Vichy’s new betrayal of Britain. Particular note is made of the fact that the French people are being kept in the dark about the negotiations between Admiral Darlan and Hitler. That the French people are not in sympathy with their Government is shown by a delayed report from Paris that widespread demonstrations in favour of General de Gaulle took place during the Joan of Arc anniversary celebrations recently, when many people were arrested. The de Gaulle party gave so much advance publicity that precautions were taken, enabling disorders to be reduced to a minimum. . . c . , General Catroux, the Free French Commander-in-Uhiet in the Near East, has again warned the people of Syria that they are being duped and betrayed, and that the German infiltration is but a prelude to German occupation.