LAVAL’S TASK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1942, Page 4

LAVAL’S TASK

PUT INTO OFFICE BY NAZIS.

FOR VERY DEFINITE PURPOSE

There is a particularity in Nazi policy which Laval, according to French opinion, will follow faithfully and without difficulty, for it fits in so well with his own character. That policy is to lie low after every bold step until the violence or illegality of it is forgotten. Thus after the return of Laval to power, unwanted by everyone, including Marshal Petain, follows the usual lull. Except for some minor backstage internal tragedies, in which a few prefects and small officials have been removed, everything has been quiet. • But we are warned not to forget that Laval is bound to Germany, to which country he owes everything, from his liberation from the imprisonment ordered by Petain.

Smooth words have been spoken by Laval to the representative of the United States, and the “gentleman” with the white tie has assured the American Ambassador of his good wishes and intentions towards the great country across the Atlantic.

But Laval has been put back into office by the Germans for a very definite purpose, and that purpose is to facilitate German ambitions in the'Mediterranean and Africa. To those who think French public opinion “would never stand for this,” the reply is that Laval does not intend French public opinion to be in a position to accomplish anything, and that he will take as much notice of it as other Quislings take of public opinion in other enslaved countries where they have been installed and assured of support by the Germans.