LAVAL SATISFIED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 December 1942, Page 4

LAVAL SATISFIED

AFTER MEETING WITH HITLER BUT GERMANS OF ANOTHER MIND. DEMANDS NOT YET MET. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, December 23.3. Laval, on his return to Vichy, described his meeting with Hitler as entirely satisfactory. German spokesmen, however, continue to dismiss Laval with scant courtesy, declaring that France has not yet proved herself worthy to join the new Europe. The German Trans-Ocean Agency declared that Berlin does not attach farreaching significance to Laval's visit. The “Berliner Boerson Zeitung" said the French must first realise what real suffering is before she can expect an internal revolution or a true resurgence.

“The Times” diplomatic correspondent says all this is part of a new war of nerves, in an attempt to frighten the French into collaboration. It is, however, also a sign that the Germans recognise the strength of the resistance and their unpreparedness to deal with the French situation while they are burdened elsewhere. From unofficial reports from Germany, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent, it may be concluded that Laval was able to convince Hitler, at least for the time being, that France has more to offer Germany than has Mussolini. 'The correspondent says Laval also insisted that Italy’s territorial claims at the expense of France could not be satisfied. Laval doubtless put forward the argument that a French administration, working on a basis of goodwill, would be cheaper than one based on coercion.