LAVAL AS DICTATOR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 November 1942, Page 3

LAVAL AS DICTATOR

FULL POWERS GRANTED BY PETAIN SOME MINISTER’S LEAVE GOVERNMENT. INCLUDING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, November 18. Marshal Petain has signed a Constitutional amendment granting Laval power “on his simple signature alone to make laws and decrees.” Petain also signed an additional amendment to the Constitution under which Laval is appointed his deputy and successor. A Vichy communique states that Laval reported to the Cabinet on information which had been brought by General Platon from Tunisia. “Marshal Petain, who continues as head of the State to embody French soverignty. decided in view of the exceptional circumstances, to give M. Laval the necessary powers to deal speedily at any hour and in all places with the difficulties through which France is passing,” the communique said. “M Laval thanked the Marshal for his confidence and assured him that he will serve France with his whole heart.” Marshal Petain, occording to Vichy radio, has signed two proclamations. One states: “All constitutional and legislative changes are invalid unless signed by myself.” The other states: “First, if before the ratification of this document by my Cabinet I should be hindered in the performance of my powers they will be performed by M. Laval, who will become head of the State.

“Secondly, if I should be hindered for an indefinite period I order that the Cabinet should assemble within one month and that a majority should elect the head of the State. The'Cabinet should equally fix the extent of the powers of the new head of the State and of the head of the Government. These two functions should be performed by two different persons. “I hereby revoke Article Four of the new French Constitution.” Article Four declared that the successor to Marshal Petain should be Admiral Darlan.

It is reported from Vichy that Admiral Auphan, Secretary of the Navy, and M. Gibrat, Secretary of Communications. have left the Government. Admiral Abrial is succeeding Auphan, and M. Jean Bichelone. the present Secretary of Industrial Production, will assume M. Gibrat’s duties. M: Cathala, Secretary of Finance, becpmes first Minister of National Economy and Finance.

Admiral Auphan, who had frequently visited North Africa, was last reported in Toulon. Vichy Radio, it is reported, stated that he has been dismissed.