The United States and Vichy

Southland Times, Issue 24438, 19 May 1941, Page 6

The United States and Vichy

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S statement on the Vichy Government’s relations with Germany did not go beyond generalities, and he refused to elaborate it at a Press conference. But he pointed out that the United States policy in relation to France “has been based on the original French-German armistice terms and recognizes the clear limitations imposed on the French Government by the armistice.” The inference is that the old basis for American-French relations no longer exists, and Press commentators are hinting that defensive action may become necessary in the western hemisphere. According to a report from the Associated Press, “the United States, except for diplomatic formalities, has reached an open break with Vichy,” and a New York newspaper has suggested that Martinique may be seized by American forces. This latter - suggestion has been made before, but it receives a new force under the changed conditions of world strategy. The isolationists claim that Americans can mind their own business while the Old World settles its problems beyond the broad Atlantic. Political realists contend that if the British Navy were put out of action the Atlantic would at once become a highway for invasion. The twoocean navy of the United States will not be completed until 1946. Combined with the Royal Navy, the American fleet guarantees control of the seas: on its own it would be faced with an immensely difficult task, especially since the Axis would gain a large increase in shipbuilding capacity. American strategists realize that if Britain lost the battle of the Atlantic it would be almost impossible to defend Latin America. The isolationists argue that it would be better to retire behind a shortened line at the equator —to defend North America and to leave the southern continent to take its chance with the Axis. But if the totalitarian partners were allowed to establish themselves below the equator they would control the sea lanes of the South Atlantic, and their aviation bases could be moved north-west until they threatened the Panama Canal. According to a recent article in Foreign Affairs, Axis-controlled companies are already moving in this direction, penetrating regions that offer no commercial prospects

but are suitable for the preparation of secret landing fields.

Interest in Martinique

These facts have not been overlooked in Washington. The trend of public opinion has been moving steadily away from isolationism, and it seems probable that action against French possessions in the West Indies would be supported, or even welcomed with relief. While it was possible to believe that the Vichy Government was adhering fairly closely to the armistice terms the feeling towards France was generally sympathetic: indeed, the American desire to send food ships through the blockade caused the British authorities a certain amount of embarrassment. Today the situation has changed sharply. With Vichy actively helping the Germans in their war plans for the Middle East, it is no longer possible to trust the aged Marshal Petain and the men who have made him the instrument of their treachery. If the Germans are free to use Syria, they may also be allowed to gain control of Dakar, which points directly towards Central America. Due west from Dakar lies Martinique, a bright stone in the necklace of islands which curves down from Puerto Rico to Trinidad on the fringe of the Caribbean Sea. In this area, little more than 1000 miles from the Canal Zone, American interests are directly affected. If Martinique passed into unfriendly hands the recent acquisition of bases in the West Indies would be partially nullified. Moreover, the island is sheltering a French aircraft carrier, 100 American planes and a fair tonnage of merchant shipping. But it is the strategic implication which must present itself most forcibly to the mind of the American people. In this war there is no safety in retreat. The United States defence system must be threatened dangerously near home while Martinique remains under the sovereignty of a nation which is being thrust by its leaders into “a programme of increasing partnership with Germany.” Events are forcing America towards the extreme verge of non-belligerency.