LAVAL IN TRUE COLOURS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22253, 22 April 1942, Page 5

LAVAL IN TRUE COLOURS

“Gauleiter Of Vichy”

Broadcast To Nation

British Official Wireless (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, April 20. Laval’s broadcast to-night, whiph Includes a declaration of his policy, occasions little comment since Hitler’s new “Gauleiter of Vichy” has long been seen in his true colours. It is noted, however, that In a rare flash of frankness he admitted publicly his complete adhesion to the policy of his masters. "For a long time I advocated bringing together Germany and France. It was like an obsession with me. I

used every opportunity in the past to bring the two countries closer.”

Listeners to Laval’s speech noted two revealing Inflections In his delivery. The bitterness With which he reviled Britain showed clearly that the recent comments on his character to this country have touched him on the raw. He accused Britain of forcing France into the war, then leaving France to her fate ahd attempting to destroy the French fleet. He added: “To-day they fly over our skies and are destroying our homes.” When speaking directly to Frehch peasants he changed the inflection to a wheedling emotionalism. With a break in hfe voice he tried to persuade them his declaration wks made in agbhy of soul. “It wag in the little village where I was born that I meditated over this speech I am how making.” Layal emphasised his anxiety over the fate of the motherland which pervaded his recent talks with Marshal Petain. In his appeal, however, could be heard the voice of the GaUleIter. "I know you French peasants, I know your generosity and I understand your just clamour for a land at liberty. I inust. however, bring home the point that pven liberty has its limits.” "My return to power means rapproachment between France and Germany 101* Whth I have always stood; declared M. Laval. “In my public lite I have known difficult moments when the fbte of France was In peril. It has always been at these t'mes that I have come toto power, ahd i will do everything to try to ensure the safety Of ouf cduntry. I will feel all the stronger defending It since I had no responsibility for the iriisfottUne Which fell on us. The Government Will do Its duty in seeking to reduce your sufferings. it will do its utmost to reduce restrictive measures, but you will understand that In exceptional times liberty has necessary limits—all temporary we hope. The workers have nothing to fear ipd everything to hope from the new regime. Liberty to the neW World will be protected, honoured and glorified similarly to spiritual values. I have always declared that jPranco-German rapproachmpnt Was a condition in European peace. We found in Germany—an unprecedented fact—a conqueror who agreed not to abuse his victory, but offered France a place to a new Europe. Worthy of iter "*lite war has spread to all Continents and taken on a neW significance, producing more Imperious reason® for reconciliation with Germany. The gigantic battles being waged against Bolshevism have revealed the war’s true meaning. Do you think that if Russia won she would halt at our frontier? I never hitherto accepted any foreign Influence, Which explains the frequent loosing of passion In England against me and my policy. No threat will to-day prevent from pursuing agreement and reconciliation with Germany. Do you see another foreign ppllcy which would better enable us to care for oUr prisoners and lighten our burdens? My thoughts go especially to those among you who have Suffered from the attacks of our former ally, Britain. These attacks are all the more fierce against oilf territories because she is unable to defend her own. In the moment of her danger Britain Would complete the destruction of our homes which battles left unscathed. Would you agree With British aid to be sold out to the Bolshevist system which would bring boundless misery? Socialism WiU be established everywhere under the new system allowing for national characteristics ahd each people's aspirations. "During the lohg conversations with Marshal Petain I found that we were united heart and mind. These conversations were austere because we both felt the same sacred anxiety for our country. I appeal to you to comprehend the meaning of my task and to sustain niy effort.” Following Laval’s speech it was announced from Vichy that the new French Cabinet met this evening when Admiral Darlan Was present. It was also announced that Adpiffal Darlan Would broadcast ati "order of the day” to the land, air and naval forces at 1.30 p.m. to-morrow. Laval’s neW position Is widely discussed in the British press, where it is realised that, although he has made himself virtual dictator of France, surrounded by puppets, yet he can be expected to give implicit obedience to another dictator, Hitler. American reactioti to Laval's abpolnthient has been discouraging to Laval. Active collaboration with the Nazis in the military ahd naVal fie|d would be fatal to the maintenance Of any relations with the United States, Although Hitler rifust always east covetous eye® on the potential value of the French fleet for Mediterranean operations, It is possible that any move in this direction will be Carefully hidden—with consequences at present unpredictable. Greater Control Predicted It is felt to be obvious that Laval’s first domestic move Will be a Severe purge throughout the civil Service and vigorous measures against the still living elements of the political parties which he finds objectionable, and of the trade union organisation which once played such an unportant part In French life. He Is expected to help Germany with the supply of war materials and skilled labour and organise home Industry to help the Nazis to the highest degree. At the same time Laval may impose stricter control on the French population, which is likely to secure greater safety for the German rear.

Altogether, Laval has contributed a useful present for Hitler’s birthday, even if he had to swallpw Insulting remarks made abput him in Germany some years ago, whin one journal went so far as to describe him as “this Neeroid Mediterrahean."

The Berilil radio announced that Admiral COlllnet, commander of the Fourth French Naval Squadron, had been nominated as Commander-In-Chief In West Africa.

The U.S. State Department, according to the United Press, sent a strongly worded protest to Vichy regarding reports that several French merchantmen had been transferred to Japan. According to the “Chicago Sun” Vichy has transferred 50,000 tons of French naval shipping to the Japanese for use in the Far. East-