NEW ORDER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21258, 31 October 1940, Page 8

NEW ORDER

FRANCE’S POSITION BROADCAST BY PETAIN % “OBLIGATIONS TO VICTOR” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 31. 3.15 p.m.) LYONS, Oct. 30 Marshal Petain. broadcasting said “My interview with Herr Hitler, which raised hope and caused anxiety has made it possible to say thanks for the dignity of the French people in the face of their ordeal; thanks for their enormous effort towards regeneration; thanks for the heroism of our sailors and energy of our colonial leaders, and the loyalty of the native populations. “France has rallied to this first meeting between victor and vanquished. It signifies France's first vindication. I accepted the principles of collaboration between the two countries. The salvation of France, first of all, is in our own hands and the first duty of every Frenchman is to trust. “I remind those who are doubting, those who are hardening their hearts that the most praise-worthy reserve and pride, if persisted to excess, is in danger of losing its effectiveness. He who takes charge of France's destiny has the duty of creating a most favourable atmosphere to safeguard the country’s interest. “Not Under Dictation” “I entered the road of collaboration with honour in order to maintain French unity within the framework of the new European order. I met Hitler of my own free will and was not under dictation or pressure from him. “I discussed the method of collaboration and its application and will announce it later. The collaboration must be sincere, although aggression must be excluded. France has numerous obligations to its victor. France’s sovereignty imposes an obligation to defend her soil. Follow me and keep in trust eternal France.” The Governors of French colonies have been given dictatorial control, after the suspension of provincial administration.

STANDING FIRM PROPOSALS RESISTED REPORTS FROM FRANCE POSITION OF COLONIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 31, 2 p.m.) TURIN, Oct. 30 The newspaper, Stamps, says that the fundamental premise regarding the future relations between France and Italy, lay in obtaining proof that the Vichy Government was resolved to enter the new European situation. The French newspaper, Figaro says the principle of French-German collaboration laid down at the historic meetings between Marshal Petain, Herr Hitler and M. Laval and Herr von Ribbentrop, opens up favourable prospects for France. It is authoritatively stated in London that there are. indications that the power of the British Navy is encouraging certain elements in France, especially in the French colonies, to resist the Germans terms for collaboration. It is reported that the Germans expressed displeasure at the reserved nature of the Vichy Government’s announcements on the French-German consultations. Rumours Are Untrue “Something has gone wrong with Berlin’s plans for France,” says the correspondent of the Christian Science Monitor (America) in a dispatch from Europe. He adds that it can be stated on high French authority, that France is standing firm against German proposals for collaboration for European peace. It is stated authoritatively that all rumours concerning peace or peace preliminaries, cession of colonies, surrender of strategic military bases, permission for passage of Axis troops across unoccupied France, the collaboration of the French Fleet against Britain, or the voluntary surrender of any part of France, are untrue.