AMERICAN MOVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24912, 11 May 1942, Page 5

AMERICAN MOVE

ISLAND OF MARTINIQUE AN AGREEMENT SOUGHT (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 10. Two United States representatives, Admiral John Hoover and a State offi? cial. have landed on the French island of Martinique, in the Caribbean Sea with the object of reaching an agreement with the Governor, Admiral Robert, concerning the future status of the island in view of M. Laval's collaboration with Germany. Talks are reported to have begun in an entirely friendly spirit. It is understood that the United States offer proposes that the French flag should continue to fly over the French possessions of Martinique, Gua-

deloupe and French Guiana, and that Admiral Robert should continue to be recognised as the ultimate governmental authority on the condition that no aid is furnished to Axis forces. Three of France's largest warships are reported to be lying off Martinique, one of them being the 22,000-ton aircraft carrier Beam. Three thousand sailors, whom Vichy asked should be repatriated three months ago, are still on the island. The State Department emphasised that "should mutually satisfactory arrangements be reached with Admiral Robert and an assurance given that the French authorities will not furnish aid and comfort to the Axis forces, the United States is prepared to safeguard French interests in these areas and to maintain their economic life, and also to give an assurance that all assets of the French Government in the Caribbean possessions will be held for the ultimate use of the French people."

Martinique lies in the Caribbean Sea. about 1000 miles east of, and nearly opposite, the Panama canal. As a potential base for enemy aircraft and submarines its position is a serious threat to the vital shipping link between the two oceans. Some time ago it was reported that the French warships there included the Beam and the cruiser Emile Bertin. There were also 100 American warplanes which had been delivered shortly before the collapse of France.