VICHY CABINET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1941, Page 5

VICHY CABINET

+ M. FLANDIN RESIGNS ADMIRAL DARLAN BECOMES VICE-PREMIER. GERMANS SPREADING FALSE REPORTS. M. Flandin, Foreign Minister, has resigned from the Vichy Cabinet, leaving Marshal Petain free to reform his Cabinet, the 8.8. C. reports. The Germans have been spreading rumours designed to create confusion in France. A Reuter message from Vichy states that Admiral Darlan has agreed to take charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also becomes Vice-Premier, a post held by M. Laval until his dismissal from the Government. Admiral Darlan remains Minister for the Navy.

The Vichy correspondent of the “Daily Express" a Press Association cablegram reports, stated that Admiral Darlan was in Paris on Friday discussing compromise proposals for FrancoGerman collaboration. The main difference xvas reported to be Admiral Darlan's insistance that France mustretain control of her navy and refuseto surrender the fleet or naval bases. He is believed to have threatened to scuttle the fleet rather than surrender. Admiral Darlan’s reported declarations suggests that he fully appreciates in the negotiations with the Germans the importance of the French fleet and the North African possessions, and a statement by General Weygand, broadcast from Algiers, attracts attention. It said: "In the name of the Govern-j ment 1 can announce that persistent I rumours spread by foreign propaganda! abroad of eventual German action atj Bizerta in connection with operations! in Tripoli are without foundation." ! The United Slates Ambassador, Ad-1 miral Leahy, called on Marshal Petain ! and, according to reports, the possibility of a relaxation of the British block-i ade to permit the importation of food I to France was discussed.