GERMAN DEMANDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23851, 30 December 1940, Page 7

GERMAN DEMANDS

VITAL DEVELOPMENTS IMMINENT

FRENCH RELATIONS WITH AXIS

fate of fleet said to be involved

By Telojrraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received December 20, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON", Dec. 20 Important negotiations are in progress between the \ ichy Government and Germany, stated a message from Vichy yesterday. and developments are imminent which are likely to have a vital effect upon the domestic status of France and upon her relations with the Axis Powers. The Vichv report added that Admiral Darlan, during his visit to Paris, submitted to the Germans a number of questions. A German Note, replying to these questions, was expected, after which an important decision was likely to be announced. Obscurity still cloaks the situation, says a London cablegram, but all sources indicate that the Vichy Government continues strongly to resist German attempts to exceed the terms of the armistice. 1 he Free French news agency says Admiral Darlan conveyed to Hitler the refusal of the Vichy Government to surrender the French Fleet. According to the Lisbon correspondent of the Associated Press, a number of French naval units have already gone to North Africa from Toulon. Two submarines have passed through the Strait of Gibraltar, presumably with British consent, and ostensibly bound for Casablanca. A number of aeroplanes have flown in the same direction. The British Broadcasting Corporation says it is believed the crisis caused by the German demands may be reaching a climax. The Vichy Cabinet met under Marshal Petain on Saturday night end in a communique issued after the meeting it was announced that various subjects were discussed and had been deferred for further deliberation. The Cabinet would meet again on Monday ' afternoon. Marshal Petaii is said to have refused Hitler's demands for the French Fleet, and other matters concerning France's part in the war. The Marshal is reported to have said that if he acceded to these demands he could not answer for North Africa. The Daily Telegraph's Lisbon correspondent says the Germans are reported to be on the point of invading unoccupied France, and aeroplanes are waiting at Vichy to convey Marshal Petam and his Government to Africa should Germany move.

Reports from several independent sources state that French have embarked at Marseilles for ports in French Morocco and Tunisia. The purpose, it is believed, is to effect a union with the colonial armies under General Weygand, with Marshal Petain's tacit approval.