OUTCOME AWAITED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1942, Page 4

OUTCOME AWAITED

DISCUSSIONS AT VICHY

MR WELLES QUESTIONED. SIGNIFICANCE OF RETURN OF LAVAL. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, April 15. Mr Sumner Welles (Assistant Secretary of State), in a statement to the Press, said that two ships in New York harbour, loaded with _ supplies for North Africa, which in accordance with the agreement of last week would have sailed shortly, will now be held up pending the clarification of the Vichy situation. He added that a Red Cross ship would also be held up. Asked whether the American Ambassador (Admiral Leahy) would be recalled, or whether the United States was breaking off relations with Vichy, Mr Welles declined to comment until the composition of the Vichy Cabinet had been officially announced. Asked whether M. Laval was discussing the forming of a Cabinet with Frenchmen or Germans, Mr Welles smiled and said he would leave that to the pressmen.

FRENCH FLEET PROBLEM FOR THE NAZIS. DARLAN MAY RETAIN CONTROL. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) RUGBY, April 15. The Vichy Government changes have led to discussion in informed quarters to the future of the French fleet. The view generally taken is that Admiral Darlan probably will exercise the same control as before over the Vichy ships and will not allow authority to slip from his hands. It is con-1 sidered that the operation and manning of these warships by the Germans Would present a considerable problem, involving long training, and it is also thought doubtful whether they have the necessary personnel. The Vichy fleet has been exercised from time to time, but its efficiency for actual operation is open to question.