ANXIETY IN VICHY

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 252, 26 October 1942, Page 5

ANXIETY IN VICHY

ALLEGIANCE OF FRENCH AFRICA

P.A. Gable.

LONDON, Oct. 24.

The Rome correspondent of the Zurich newspaper Volksrecht says the slogan of the Italian press is "The Russian campaign is over — the battle for the Mediterranean is imminent." The infiltration of United States troops to Africa is regarded with uneasiness in Italy. The Liberia landing is described as an incessant stream of United States troops, planes and war material flowing from the west coast to form a great semicircle round Tripoli and Libya. The correspondent says that evergrowing German pressure on Viohy creates danger of the French African colonies abandoning the motherland and joining the Allies. Admiral Darlan's presence at Dakar is significant. Tnere is every indication that the native population is steadily withdrawing allegiance to Vichy. Aceording to a Stockholm report, Vichy has rushed 500 planes to West Africa. Paris radio said: "There is no possible doubt that our empire is threatened. France has clearly decided to defend her African empire and the defence henceforth will no longer be one merely of honour." A message from Rabat states that the Sultan of Morocco received Admiral Darlan. who said that France was going through a most difficult passage, and counted on Moroccan support. The Sultan pledged loyalty to Vichy. Admiral Darlan conferred with General Nogues and members of the North- west African army.