MAUNDERINGS AT VICHY.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1941, Page 4

MAUNDERINGS AT VICHY.

QNLY a very brief report has been cabled of Marshal Petain’s latest broadcast from Vichy. Iml the aged soldier's reference Io Admiral Darlan’s threat to convoy ships on their way to France, and Io use force against the British .blockade, is a masterpiece of futility, lie said, as he is reported:— It is a matter of honour for us to do nothing against our former ally, but the necessary provisioning of the country imposes a sacred ’ duly on us. Admiral Darlan has my entire confidence. We have no other cause to defend except France’s, and fidelity to France means standing by the Government. These are the words of one who is either incapable of laking hold of the facts of France’s position or has iieglecled Io do so. The interest of France, ami all her hope for the future, as well as her honour, demand that she should do nothing against her former ally, but Admiral Darlan's threat, carried into offee.t, would mean striking a blow at that ally in the interests and at the bidding of Nazi Germany, in statements by British Ministers and others it has been made manifest that the threat of an attempt Io break' the British bhiekade has nothing to do with Hie “sacred duty" of provisioning France. The ('fleet of yielding Io Admiral Darlan’s threat would be Io allow France to become an enlarged channel for Hie importation of war suplilies for Germany. The people of France are suffering hardship only liecalist'of <lerinan plundering and oppression ami the only remedy is in Hie defeat ami extirpation of the Nazis. Il is a pitiable ami humiliating stale of affairs that Marshal Petain should misrepresent Hie facts ol Hie Brilish blockade ami attack Hie Free French moveiueiil. The hero of Verdun is thus in ell’evt demanding lhal his country shall never bo redeemed from bondage Io her ruthless enemies. This alone might stand as evidence that il will be a happy day for France when the Vichy regime has terminated its inglorious career.