AS IN A DREAM

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 22, 26 July 1945, Page 7

AS IN A DREAM

Petain's Detachment

LONDON, July 25. Keuter's Paris correspondent says it-is difficult to say whether Petain is living in the world which surrounds him in the historic trial or in a world of his own. His eyes are bright and lively whenever he turns to the counsel, but most of the time his eyelids droop, his right hand nervously drums on the arm of his chair, and he seems wrapped in a faraway dream. On leaving the Court the Marshal saluted armed policemen who lined the short route between the courtroom and his cell; he seemed to mistake them for a guard of honour, and gave no sign of noticing that they did not return the salute.

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ister of War, Daladier said that for five years before the war no big appointment was made without Petain's approval. . _ "Petain, as War Minister in Doumergue's Cabinet, reduced the arms credit by 20 per cent, at a time when the construction of tanks and antitank guns should have been begun," he said. "Later he refused to authorise the construction of the 47mm. antitank gun, which the war proved to be an excellent weapon. "The Ardennes sector, . in Petain's opinion, was not dangerous, the Marshal expressing the opinion: 'If the enemy penetrates it we shall get him on the way out.'" . ~'■,. While Daladier was tracing the history of the Riom trials he picked up a chair and slammed it on the floor. He demanded the publication of his dossier on the trials. He shook his fist and his voice rose frequently to a shout as he hammered home his pointg. . . . Daladier accused Petam of taking judicial powers into his own hands and arresting him on October 13, 1941, and condemning him without a hearing. When a juryman asked Petain whether he sent a telegram offering •to co-operate with Hitler after the Dieppe raid, counsel for the defence leapt to his feet, waving his arms, and shouting: "The Marshal has already declared that he does not recognise the Court, and he will not reply." Several jurymen intervened, saying, "It is shameful that he should be allowed to adopt an obstructive attitude."