LAVAL OUT OF THE FRENCH CABINET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 295, 16 December 1940, Page 5

LAVAL OUT OF THE FRENCH CABINET

PETAIN STILL MASTER DIFFERENCES NIPPED IN THE BUD RELATIONSHIPS WITH GERMANY [By Telegraph—Prees Association—Copyright] Received Dec, 15, 8.30 p.m. VICHY, Dec. 14. Al. Pierre Laval, French VicePremier and Foreign Minister, has resigned. A decree abolishes the rights of succession to the position of Chief of State. M. Flandin will succeed him. Marshal Petain, Chief of the French State, in a broadcast, said that Laval was no longer part of the Government, because of “interests of the country.” Marshal Petain added that the policy of the Government towaids Germany had not changed, lie also said. “I have taken the decision for reasons of internal policy. I remain at the helm while national revolution continues!” Received Dec. 15, 1 p.m. VICHY, Dec. 15. A communique issued after Marshal Petain's, broadcast stated that Flandin is more capable of arranging rapprochement with Germany. The constitutional act nominating M. Laval as Marshal Petain's successor is revoked and the Council of Ministers will henceforth elect his successor by majority. Received ‘Dec. 15, 7.25 p.m. ZURICH, Dec. 14. It is reported that Laval was arrested after a Cabinet meeting, apparently on the eve of his departure for a conference with Hitler. Received Dec. 15, 6.40 p.m. NEW YORK, Dec. 14. The National Broadcasting Company’s reporter, Mr. Max Jordan, broadcasting from Basle, said that Laval was ousted because he attempt-

M. PIERRE LAVAL ed to persuade Petain to accept Germany's latest peace offer in return for co-operation of the French navy against Britain. Petain refused, according to Mt. Jordan, whereupon Laval was forced to quit when he tried to put pressure on Marshal Petain. "The Free French” news agency says that Laval's departure proves the increasing power of public opinion in France, where Laval's unpopularity increased to hatred. M. Flandin congratulated Hitler after the Munich agreement was signed. Recently he endorsed the new order, hut he is not like Laval in

the personification ot hostility to Britain. M. Flandin recently cherished the idea of mediating between England and Germany, and because of that may pursue a more flexible foreign policy. M. Flandin’s appointment does not guarantee rapprochement with Britain, but he will not forget that public opinion brought down Laval.

M. Pierre Flandin, M. Laval's successor as Foreign Minister for the Vichy Government, is a barrister. He was leader of the Left Republican Party and has represented Yonne Constituency in the French Chamber of Deputies since 1914. He was a director of Inter-Allied Aeronautical services in 1917 and became Secretary of State for Air in the Millerand and Leygues Cabinets. In 1924 he was Minister of Commerce in the Marsal Cabinet. He held the same portfolio in the Tardieu Cabinet in FebruaryMay, 1932. He was Minister of Public Works in the Doumergue Government from February to October, 1934. He became Prime Minister in November, 1934, and remained in office until June, 1935. He was Minister without portfolio in the Laval Cabinet from 1935 to 1936 and was later Minister of Foreign Affairs from January* to June, 1936