HITLER'S DEMAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23861, 11 January 1941, Page 9

HITLER'S DEMAND

MEDITERRANEAN COAST REJECTION BY PETAIN GERMAN PRESS MENACES By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received January ]O. 8.30 p.m.) r.ENEVA, Jan. 10 The Swiss newspaper Tribune de Lausanne says the German Ambassador to France, Abetz, on Wednesday presented a formal and urgent demand by Hitler for control of the French Mediterranean coast and the. right to establish naval bases and dockyards. Petain rejected the demand, which is contrary to the terms of the Franco-oernian armislice. The influence of the new United States Ambassador to Franco, RearAdmiral W. 1). Leahy, was partly responsible for Petain'a firmness, says the newspaper. The Gorman press, which hitherto has been silent on the topic of FrancoGerman tension, has adopted a menacing tone against Vichy. A message from Washington says President Roosevelt sent Petain a New Year message expressing the wish that "the French people may soon again enjoy the blessing of peace with liberty, equality and fraternity."

SUPPLIES FOR FINLAND PERMITTING PASSAGE BRITAIN'S CONDITIONS (Rerfivod January 10, .30 p.m.) WASHINGTON', Jan. » The British Embassy, in a statement, intimated that Britain would permit supplies to go to Finland provided she abstains from unneutral acts such as the October arrangement permitting the regular passage of German troops, and gives guarantees that the supplies will not benefit Germany. The Finnish Minister, M. Procope, has appealed to the Red Cross for assistance to avoid a famine.

ENDURING FRIENDSHIP BRITAIN AND PORTUGAL PRESIDENT'S ASSURANCE (Received January 10. •">.'<o p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Jan. !» The nmv British Ambassador to Poitnp;nl. Sir Ronald Campbell, presented his credentials to President Carmona yesterday. Sir Ronald spoke of the many common issues uniting the two countries. President Cartnona described the Friendship between Britain and Portugal as one which the gravest events could not trouble in the least, and which was inspired by a large mutual understanding and by an alliance to which both Governments and both peoples had always l>een faithful through the centuries. *'ln rendering this friendship oven more fruitful, you can always rely on my help and that of my Government,'' he added.

EIRE DEFENCE SERVICES (Rprriveil January 10, O.rsn p.m.) LOXDOX, Jul), in The Minister of Justice in Kin!, Mr. (i. Uoland, stated that SO,(KM) local defence volunteers had been transferred from police to military control. A further f>o,ooo had been attached to the police as an auxiliary force.