DOUBTS IN VICHY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1941, Page 5

DOUBTS IN VICHY

REGARDING COLLABORATION WITH, NAZIS FULL RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN BY DARLAN. REPORTS OF WIDESPREAD SABOTAGE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, August 5. The Vice-Premier, Admiral Darlan, is taking full responsibility for Vichy’s general policy in Africa. A decree by Marshal Petain announced that Admiral Darlan is sending directions to General AVeygand whereby Weygand is compelled to work under Darlan. It is reported from the French frontier that the latest developments in Vichy are,interpreted as a considerable success for the supporters of the wait-and-see policy over the collaborationists. Vichy is expected to accede to German requirements regarding Cabinet changes, but it is understood that Marshal Petain intends to maintain his rejection of the German demand for collaboration in North Africa. French industrialists are believed to be wondering if they have backed the right horse in expecting a German victory and to be now considering how to secure the position either way. In this connection information which has reached London indicates that the meeting of the Vichy Cabinet on August 2 was stormy because of differences of opinion as to the prospects of a German victory against Russia. The French uncertainty is evidenced by reports of widespread sabotage. According to Moscow radio, French guerillas have derailed a train with 15 petrol wagons bound for Germany and also destroyed 200 German lorries and an oil depot. In addition, big petrol stocks for the German army disappeared at Roulers. It is learned that the police are hunting John Hopper, an Englishman who, in spite of the ban, drove up in a car, placed a wreath on the War Memorial at Caen on Bastille Day, and shot his way through a police cordon, killing the assistant chief of police, who had jumped on to the runningboard of the car.