DARLAN’S POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24631, 12 June 1941, Page 7

DARLAN’S POLICY

RELATIONS WITH NAZIS EXTENT OF COLLABORATION DISCLOSURES IN DOCUMENT (Rec. 8 p.m.) RUGBY, June 10. A document which throws an interesting light on Admiral Darlan’s claim that his policy of “. Elaboration ” is confined to the political and economic sphere, recently came into the hands of the Free French Forces, and is published by the Free French newspaper France. It is a communication sent on March 26 to the French delegation on the Armistice Commission at Wiesbaden by the aviation section of the German Commission. The following are extracts from the text:—" Some time ago the French Government acquired from the United States Government a large number of Douglas DB 7 fighter planes equipped with a bicycle undercarriage. The officer commanding the German Air Forces is very anxious to obtain chines of this type. Up to now the French Government has rejected any suggestion that their planes be handed over, pointing out that the United States Government is aware of the proposals, and that to accede to them would lead to political complications. The German Armistice Commisison would again emphasise its desire for some agreement whereby planes of the particular model in question might be handed over, and is prepared to offer in return certain maintenance. As regards the French Government’s fear of possible complications owing to the United States Government hearing of the German Government’s proposals for taking delivery of these Douglas DB 7 machines, the German Armistice Commission is prepared, in order to avoid political difficulties for the French authorities, to make known that this exchange was made under German pressure. The German Commission expects a reply at the earliest possible moment to this request.— (Signed) Foerster.”

APPEAL TO THE NATION PREPARING FOR PEACE (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, June 10. Admiral Darlan, broadcasting, said; “Without waiting for the end of hostilities we must create a favourable atmosphere for an honourable peace. I appeal to the nation for unreserved support for a policy of collaboration with Germany in building up a new Europe for the purpose of preventing France from perishing. Germany agreed to negotiate because she is> planning reconstruction of Europe, which cannot be achieved without France and the other European States. " This situation is unprecedented, as we are forced to negotiate with a country warring against our former Ally and occupying our soli. “ Frenchmen must follow Marshal Petain and be assured that the fate of France is linked up with the fate of Europe. This is still the time for discipline and for union, not for sterile disputes and petty recrimination against the Government. If the nation does not understand it will surely succumb. The people are too prone to regard as' unquestionable truth what a clandestine, dissident radio, helped by a foreign Power, daily repeats. “Signature of a definite peace remains difficult while great problems arising from the present conflict remain unsolved, but we must negotiate with Germany if we wish to modify the armistice. Marshal Petain has charged me with the negotiations and approves the developments.”