NO PASSAGE FOR GERMANS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21850, 31 December 1940, Page 7

NO PASSAGE FOR GERMANS

Petain’s Firm Message to Hitler

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 31, 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 30.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says in the message Admiral Darlan, Minister of the Navy, conveyed to Germany, Marshal Petain made it clear that he would not tolerate the passage of Germans across unoccupied France and could not contemplate Germany’s employment of the French Navy. It is also stated that categorical assurances on these points have been given Britain. The correspondent adds that reliable reports suggest that a considerable number of French warships is steadily streaming to Casablanca, Dakar and other French-African ports, possibly With the object of supporting the move to regain the loyalty of these populations to Vichy. It is more probable, however, that they are moving on orders to escape from the reach of the Germans and also prevent Germany extending their occupation to FrenchAfrica.

The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” states that the Germans are apparently finding Admiral Darlan a tougher nut than M. Laval, above all on naval questions. Possession of southern France will not be an economic advantage to the Germans, who would run a grave risk of the French navy escaping and Marshal Petain establishing a Government in North Africa.

The German-controlled radio at Paris to-day complained about strong antl-German feeling in occupied France and said that somehow the country must be rid of such people, who through snobbery or stupidity side with the worst enemies of France.