GROWING THREATS

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

GROWING THREATS

TACTICS OF GERMANS

TENSION IN FRANCE FURTHER YIELDING UNLIKELY (Received December 20, 6.30 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Dec. 28 Reports from various quarters suggesting that critical developments are pending in the relations between the Germans and (he Vichy Government are prominently reproduced in the press. Observers in London with access to reliable sources of information are inclined to treat reports, such as that the extension of German occupation is imminent, or that Marshal Petain and his colleagues contemplate leaving Vichy for French North Africa, with considerable reserve. All evidence points to a tendency, since the eclipse of Laval, toward more threats and less flattery in the Germans' mode of address toward the Vichy Government. This may reflect disappointment at the failure of hopes which some German circles, perhaps encouraged by Laval's entourage, had built up oi obtaining from conquered France complaisance and collaboration, which Marshal Retain and his colleagues could not find compatible with French honour or interest. Exploitation of France Tt is perhaps significant that at the same time as the Germans are making 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 Gorman occupation and having to deprive her population of essential foods to feed the forces of occupation, but sorely-needed supplies are being systematically taken from France to be exported to Germany. Resistance by Petain Diplomatic circles in London are disinclined to hazard any views as to the outcome of the present phase of special strain between the Vichy Government and the Germans. Then? is no doubt the Germans are in a position to exert very strong pressure, but on the other hand the situation contains a number nf elements which should enable Marshal Petain and his colleagues to resist; and those who have followed the developments in France since the campaign with the keenest interest are tliose who express most doubt whether the Germans will secure the acquiescence of the Vichy Government now for terms and conditions going beyond those of the armistice itself. M. Philippe Karnes, a former editor of the newspapers Le Matin and Paris Soir. iu an article in the Sunday Times, says the Germans are striving to impose upon the Vichy Government measures that would place the French Fmpire in their hands before the Free French and the British made decisive progress. Hitler will not attempt the appropriation of the French Fmpire because he knows that the Fmpire would surrender to Britain rather than accept German domination. ITALIAN SUBMARINE LOST (Received December 20, 7.fio p.m.) ROME, Dec. 2* An official communique states: "One of our submarines operating in the Atlantic has not returned."