LAVAL'S AIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24250, 16 April 1942, Page 7

LAVAL'S AIMS

SHUFFLEJN VICHY PEACE WITH AXIS FBIENDLY TO GEBMANY (Reed. 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 15 After a day of rumours and crises in Vichy it is now clear that Pierre Laval has forced his way back to power. It is not known what his position will be in the Government now being formed "on a new basis," as Vichy puts it. Laval conferred with Petain and Darlan yesterday, and they are to meet again to-day, after which the situation may be clarified. In an interview Laval said ho intended to follow a policy aimed at friendly relations with Germany and

the United States. He hoped to obtain a peace with the Axis* guaranteeing French independence and . integrity, both in continental France and the French Empire. His policy would be based on a solution of the following problems: — (1) Maintenance of the integrity of the French Empire. (2) France's attitude in the war between Britain and Germany. (3) Disposition of the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, which could be solved only by friendly understanding with Germany. Laval added that he would soon declare more exactly his policy regarding relations between France and America: Meanwhile he stood by his message to America last May, when he guaranteed that the French Fleet would never be turned over to Germany. Ho complained of too little aid being given by America to France while she was still in the war. According to German reports Laval will have the title of Chief of the Government, with Petain retaining the title Chief of State. The Berlin radio, quoting the Vichy spokesman, says Petain has given up the chairmanship of the Cabinet to Laval. As chief of the Government, Laval will be responsible only to Petain as Chief of State. Darlan remains successor to the Chief of State, relinquishes the title of Minister and adopts the title of Commander-in-Chief of Land, Air and Naval Forces, with the right to attend any meeting of the Cabinet. Laval will suggest the names of other Ministers to Petain. The United Press correspondent at Vichy says it is unofficially reported that Laval has been brought into the Cabinet as vice-Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Darlan retaining the portfolio of National Defence. It is recalled that Marshal Petain was recently reported to have refused Laval a seat in the Cabinet. Laval then said: "I remain a champion of collaboration. I may have something more to do with it."