CONCESSIONS MADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 121, 24 May 1941, Page 9

CONCESSIONS MADE

DETAILS NOT GIVEN

MORE DER4ANDS POSSIBLE

(Rec. noon.)

RUGBY, May 23,

In his broadcast to the French nation Admiral Darlan referred to Vichy's negotiations with Hitler, but it is significant that he did not disclose any precise details of the French concessions. He even went so far as to state that none had been sought. With much emphasis, he declared that France'would keep her fleet and Empire, adding that in the recent talks there had never been any question of abandoning the sovereignty of France. It is known throughout the world, however, that substantial inroads into that sovereignty have already been made and are continuing. The French colonies are no longer intact, German aeroplanes are encountering no opposition in their use of the Syrian aerodromes as posts for carrying German assistance to the rebels in Irak and in French Morocco. The German penetration. through the German commission and the activities of "tourists" are proceeding unhindered. NO COMFORT SEEN. ! It may well be that the full Gerj man demands have not yet been revealed, for towards the end of his broadcast Admiral Darlan stated that negotiations are still in progress. There was no comfort for the French people in the speech, through which Admiral Darlan shielded himself behind Marshal Petain. It did nothing to relieve the anxiety under which those in occupied France are suffering. Outside France, the speech will do nothing to alter the belief that Vichy has become a willing tool of Hitler,^ and that progressively the territories' and resources of France will be at the disposal of the enemies of France and the English-speaking world. Britain's attitude towards Vichy as expressed in Mr. Eden's speech on Thursday remains unmodified. —8.0. W.