WARNING WORDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 May 1941, Page 5

WARNING WORDS

SPOKEN BV PHESII)I:N1 ROOSEVELT

VICHY-NAZI ALLIANCE CONDEMNED.

ASSENT OF FRENCH PEOPLE INCONCEIVABLE.

WASHINGTON. May 15. President Roosevelt issued a statement declaring: “It is inconceivable that the French people will accept a collaboration agreement with Germany which in reality would imply an alliance with the Power that is seeking the utter destruction of liberty, free-

dom and popular institutions everywhere.”

The 'Treasury today ordered the Coastguard to put armed guards aboard 10 French ships lying in United States ports, including the 83,423-ton liner Normandie. The Senate passed the Bill authorising the requisitioning of foreign ships. Mr Roosevelt in his statement said that the United States’ policy toward France has been based on the terms ol the original French-German Armistice, and recognises that "clear limitations were imposed on the French Government by the Armistice. The President’s statement recalled that Marshal Petain agreed not to collaborate with Germany beyond the Armistice agreerrfent. “ ( This was the least that could be expected from France, which demanded respect for its integrity, he continued. "The people of France, who still cherish the ideals of liberty and free institutions, and guard that love of these priceless possessions in their minds and hearts, can be counted on to hold out for these principles till the moment comes' for their re-establish-ment.”

Mr Roosevelt’s statement concluded with an assertion that the United States, could hardly believe that the present’ Government of France would join a voluntary alliance, apparently delivering up France and the colonial Empire, including the French African colonies and the Atlantic coasts, with the menace which that involves to the peace and safety of the Western Hemisphere.

NO UNDUE ALARM

OVER POSITION IN IRAQ FREE FRENCH STATEMENT. PETAIN A TOY OF AMBITIOUS MEN LONDON. May 16. There is no undue alarm here over the arrival of Germftn bombers in Iraq. Reinforcements of British and Imperial troops have arrived in Iraq and Palestine. The position is described as one which can be and will be taken care of. It is pointed out in London that the French authorities in Syria are well aware bf the British attitude concerning the arrival of German planes. There has also never been the slightest indication that the Arab leaders desire to support Raschid Ali. A communique issued by the Free French headquarters in London declares that the arrival of German planes in Syria constitutes a breach of the armistice and expresses surprise that Marshal Petain could associate himself with a move against the former ally of France. The communique expresses the belief that the Marshal has become the toy of ambitious Frenchmen and adds that the Free French declare before the whole world that Vichy does not represent France and that the French people must not be associated with Vichy's action. The view taken in London with regard to Marshal Petain is that he is a tired and worried old man under constant pressure from Germans and from some Frenchmen.

OPEN BREAK

AMERICA AND VICHY EXCEPT FOR DIPLOMATIC FORMALITIES. POSITION AT MARTINIQUE & ELSEWHERE. (Received This Day. 9.55 a.m.) NEW YORK. May 16. A report issued by the Associated Press of America states that the United States, except for diplomatic formalities, has reached an open break with Vichy The Administration believes the Petain regime has embraced a programme of increasing partnership with Germany and henceforth must be considered in the same category as other Nazi dominated nations. The now situation has thrust into the foreground the future status of French possessions in the Western Hemisphere, particularly Martinique, where one hundred American planes are held up. as well as the aircraftcarrier Bearn and other ships, also about 250.000.000 dollars worth of French gold.