HITLER'S TERMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23965, 15 May 1941, Page 9

HITLER'S TERMS

VICHY ACCEPTANCE CABINET DECISION WARNING BY AMERICA LONDON. May 14 Hitler's terms to Vichy were unanimously approved by Marshal Petain's Cabinet this morning, states the Vichy news agency. Approval was given following a statement by Admiral Darlan on the negotiations with Hitler. The effects of the negotiations, it is stated, will shortly make themselves felt. It was announced from Vichy earlier to-day that Marshal Petnin had a lengthy conference with Darlan, and that the Cabinet would meet to discuss the terms which Darlan brought from his meeting with Hitler. The German representative in Paris, Otto Abetz. is reported to have accompanied Darlan to Vichy. A report from Berlin stated that a communique would be issued to-day after Darlan had reported on his talks to the Vichy Cabinet. An American commentator states that the United States Ambassador to Vichy, Renr-Admiral W. D. Leahy, has warned the French Government against supplying Germany with any military aid. In diplomatic circles in Vichy it is believed that Darlan secured from Hitler an arrangement replacing the armistice terms.

This would liberate Paris, and give tlie Vichy Government four-fifths of France, but would retain for Germany the coal and iron mines, all ports on the north and west coasts, and all river mouths.

BOMB GERMAN CITIES AMERICA URGED TO ACT USE OF ENGLISH BASES TRAINING BRITISH PILOTS (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 13

Major-General John O'Ryan, newb? appointed Director of United States Civilian Defence Activities, to-day advocated immediate participation by America in the bombing of German cities.

Ho said: "We can give Hitler two bombs for one now, by operating from English bases." Plans were discussed in Washington to-day between representatives of the War Department and the British Embassy for training British pilots in the

United States. American aeroplanes and pilots will bo used to give primary training, possibly to 3000 men a year, starting in mid-summer. "The convoy controversy is futile, because it is possible that convoys will not be sufficient support," said the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel W. F. Knox, in a speech. "We might be obliged to develop new defences to ensure the arrival of materials in Britain. Hitler is a maniac whom we must oppose.

"I reject isolation or surrender. We cannot build a Chinese wall round ourselves. I have just visited the Isolationist Mid-west and found /sentiment sharply swinging toward aid for Britain."

Major-General John O'Ryan commanded the United States 27th Division in Belgium and France during the Great War. His division was more closely in touch with the British than any other American unit and for his effective co-operation lie was accorded the unusual honour for an American of a British knighthood, being made a Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George.

HOME GUARD PROGRESS KING'S CONGRATULATIONS (Reed. 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 13 The first birthday of the Home Guard, May 14, is signalised by a message from the King, says the British official wireless. The message states:— I heartily congratulate the Home Guard on the progress made by all ranks since it was established a year ago to-day. On many occasions 1 have seen for myself the keenness with which they are fitting themselves for the discharge of vital duties in defence of our homes. Tiiev have already earned the gratitude of their fellow-citizens for the prompt and unstinted .■ assistance they are constantly giving to the civil defence services. The Home Guard stands in the direct line of the various bodies of militia, trained bands, and volunteers, the records of whose fine spirit and military aptitude adorn many pages of our history. I thank them for the service they freelv give at considerable sacrifice of leisure and convenience, and I am confident that, in co-operation with their comrades in arms of the rield Army, they will fit. themselves to the task and overcome every emerfenev, and so make their contribution to the victory which will, reward our united efforts. The Home Guard now consist*, of 1,750,000 trained men. Selected members of the Home Guard mounted guard at Buckingham Palace this morning for the fust time. Ihey took over from the Scots Guard.