FULLY EXPLAINED

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 39, 10 November 1942, Page 5

FULLY EXPLAINED

Past U.S. Relations With Vichy Regime PAVING WAY FOR ACTION (Received November 9, 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, November 8. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, told the Press that the United States bad obtained the desired from its continued relations with Vichy and now it was indifferent as to what attitude Vichy adopted to the offensive hi North Africa; ’ Mr. Hull listed the five main purposes for the past 'collaboration with Vichy, as follows: — 1. To pave the way and prepare the background in the most effective manner for the sending of a military expedition to” the' western Mediterranean to assist British operations further east. 2. Giving the United States a week-by-week opportunity of gaining highly Important information virtually from inside the German-controlled areas and from North Africa regarding the subversive activities of the Axis and other important phases of the international situation. 3. Keeping alive the basic concepts of the freedom of the French people, looking to an ultimate restoration of the French free institutions as they existed before the German occupation. 4. Retention of the closest personal touch with all phases of the FraiicdGcrman situation under the French-Ger-man armistice, including the resistance 'to the increased German pressure on France and the constant efforts to prevent the delivery of the French Fleet or any part thereof to Germany or to giving military support to Germany. 5. Maintenance of the closest relations with the French people and encouragement and leadership in opposition to Hitlerism. Arms for Patriots. Those persons who had been concerned about the policy of the United States Government toward Vichy were now able to see the entire content of that policy, which was directed ultimately at the liberation of France. The British and Canadian Governments wholeheartedly favoured and supported that policy. The White House disclosed that simultaneously with the American landings. President Roosevelt sent a message to Marshal Petain similar to the broadcast to France. It pointed out that the American forces in Africa are equipped with massive and adequate modern weapons, which would be available to the French inutile mutual fight aghinst the common enemy. Mr. Roosevelt gave the text of his message to the President, of Portugal and General Franco.