VICHY POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 7 August 1941, Page 5

VICHY POLICY

WAIT-AND-SEE TREND SOM I CONCESSION TO NAZI PRESSURE The Vice-Premier. Admiral Dalian, is taking full responsibility for Vichy’s general policy in Africa. A decree by Marshal Detain announced that Admiral Durian is sending directions to General Wey gaml whereby Weygand is compelled to work under Darlan. Il is reported from the French frontier that the latest developments m Vichy arc interpreted as a considerable success for the supporters of the wait-and-see policy over the collaborationists. Vichy is expected to accede to German requirements regarding Cabinet changes, but it is understood that Marshal Petain intends to maintain his rejection <rf the German demand for collaboration in North Africa. French industrialists arc believed to be wondering if they have bucked the right horse in expecting a German victory and to be now considering how to secure the position either way. In this connection information which has reached London indicates that the meeting of the Vichy Cabinet on 2nd August was stormy because of differences of opinion as 1 to the prospects of a German victory against Russia. Tiie French uncertainty is evidenced by reports of widespread sabotage. According to Moscow radio, French guerrillas have derailed a train with 15 petrol wagons bound for Germany 1 and also destroyed 200 German lorries j and an oil depot. In addition, big petrol stocks for the Germany army dis- j