FRENCH AFRICA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24771, 22 November 1941, Page 9

FRENCH AFRICA

VICHY’S INTENTIONS ENTRY FOR GERMAN TROOPS USE OF FLEET PROBABLE (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 21. The Vichy radio stated that the new Secretary-general in French Africa will be under the direct control of Admiral Darlan. The Vichy radio interrupted a news bulletin to allow General Weygand to broadcast a farewell message to his former subordintes in North Africa, in which he said; “ Your unity behind the head of the State grows stronger every day, thus consolidating and safeguarding the future. You must remain faithful and loyal.” The Brazzaville radio stated that the dismissal of General Weygand marks the Vichy Government’s intention to open North Africa to German troops and hand over the fleet. The extent of the German demands may be judged by the pressing problem confronting the Germans in North Africa.

GENERAL WEYGAND RETIREMENT CONFIRMED VICHY, Nov. 20. It is officially announced that Gfeneral Weygand has retired and that the delegate generalship has been abolished. General Juin has been appointed Commander-in-Chief, North Africa, and General Barrau Comman-der-in-Chief, West Africa. A permanent Secretary-general for French Africa replaces the Governor general. Vice-admiral Fenard has been appointed permanent Secretary-general for French Africa, and M. Chatel Governor-general of Algeria. General Weygand is going to the Riviera for a brief holiday.

AMERICAN COMMENT “ OMINOUS DEVELOPMENT ” WASHINGTON, Nov. 20. The State Department announced that the United States had suspended all plans for economic assistance to French North Africa, and was reviewing the entire relationship with the French Government because it agreed to Hitler’s express demand to remove General Weygand as delegate-general in Africa, thus permitting German control over French authority entirely outside the armistice provisions. The announcement emphasised that the removal of General Weygand was an ominous development in growing Franco-German collaboration, which might be seriously detrimental to American interests. The United States would await action by the French and Germans before determining its future course.