POSITION IN VICHY

Southland Times, Issue 24356, 10 February 1941, Page 5

POSITION IN VICHY

German Reports Of Rioting (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received February 9, H.O p.m.) LONDON, February 8. A German radio report received in London tonight stated that Marshal Petain and Admiral Darlan had flown to Africa. The report added that rioting and shooting were occurring in Vichy. The report was stated to have come from Berne. Free Frenchmen in London said the message should be treated with the greatest reserve. Possibly it was a German attempt tc undermine French confidence in Marshal Petain. A British Broadcasting Corporation broadcast in French stated that the German reports were probably designed to create confusion to Germany’s ad-

vantage, and to provoke troubles which would be an excuse for retaliatory German action. The British Broadcasting Corporation appealed to the French populace to remain calm and give no excuse for further German aggression.

An earlier message stated that Marshal Petain announced that M. Laval had refused to become a Minister of State. This followed a conference between Admiral Darlan and members of the Cabinet. The Marshal added that M. Laval was offered a place in “the committee of directives of State.” The Vichy correspondent of The Daily Express states that Admiral Darlan is at present in Paris discussing General Weygand’s compromise proposals for French-German collaboration. The main difference is reported to be Admiral Darlan’s insistence that France should retain control of the navy, and refusal to surrender the fleet and naval bases. He is believed to have threatened to scuttle the fleet rather than surrender it.