GENERAL WEYGAND

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21365, 8 March 1941, Page 8

GENERAL WEYGAND

WARNING TO PETAIN LONDON, March 7 Conditions French North Africa were discussed at length at Vichy yesterday tv- Marshal Petain and General Weygand. The Daly Mail’s Vichy correspond- j ent says that General Weygand is bo- j lieved lo have given an account of his j efforts to keep the Empire together, dospite the restlessness in the Army caused by the successes of the Free French forces against the Italians. It ,s understood that General Weygand v.arned Marshal Petain that the position in French Africa might change radically if the Axis attempted to .ncrease the present German aid to Italy in Libya or if Libya collapsed and the British reached the border of French Tunisia. MENACE TO GREECE LONDON. March 7 A German offensive against Thraco and East Macedonia is possible within 48 hours, according to reports circulated by the Germans. With undiminished speed the Germans have poured across Bulgaria to offensive positions on the Macedonian and Turkish frontiers. Munitions, tanks and heavy mechanised units have replaced the first flow of anti-aircraft and field guns. Roport3 from Sofia state that the Greeks are bolstering up the Struma Valley defences. It is considered that General Papagos might abandon Thrace as indefensible. Britain is reported »o be sending all equipment spareable to Turkey, which Is the sole power able to harass i>iv German march into Greece. The success of the Greek defences at Struma largely depends on Yunoslavian neutrality. Yugoslavia may escape signing the Axis pact. The Times’ Belgrade correspondent says she pointed out her value as a neutral mediator, and is believed to have cansented to mediate in the ItaloGreek war without obligation to herself. Her mediation would be based on Italy resigning claims to Greece and Greece granting bases at Salonika and Patras to Germany. Other sources suggest that Yugoslavia be asked to sign a declaration of friendship with the Axis and Russia without, joining the Tripa-tite Pact and without military clauses. The Yugoslav opposition parties have sent a joint written protest to Prince Paul declaring that the nation is being kept in ignorance of the true state of affair.s. RAILWAY WORKSHOP DISPUTE MR SEMPLE'S FIRM STAND WELLINGTON, Saturday In indicating that the work of the men in the Hutt workshops were doing was associated with the war effort —the manufacture of munitions and equipment—the Minister of Railways, the Hon. R. Semple said that the orders given to suspend the men who did not turn up would stand. “I will not tolerate action like this and in view ot men's attitude I will not budge cno inch," said the Minister. ‘‘There can be only one Government running the country and that WB3 the Government constitutionally elected by the people and not a group of individuals working in the Government workshops or anywhere else. Particularly was this so in a time or crisis when we are fighting for our lives. Our boys in Egypt who are living in the shadows of death are net asking for time and a half on Saturday. We have their lives and interests to protect and that cornea first.” HAMILTON CRICKET Claudelands v- Old Boys: Claudelands, first innings, 37 for four wiokets. Hamilton v. Hamilton East: Hamilton. East, first innings, 75 for one wicket. THAMES TROTTING President’s Handicap 2—2 Silver Countess, 84yds (.K. F. Primmer), 1;' 4—4 Flash Bye, limit (W. J. Wheeler), 2; 6—3 Rara Avis, limit, 3. Scr: , Loyal Star, Soldier Qpy, Tenacity, Worthy Parrish. Won by a neck; neck between second and third. Times j 3.33 3-5, 3.40, 3.41, 3.37 4-5. TIMARU TROTS Kingsdown Handicap: I—l Certissimus, 1; 3—2 Maman, 2; 4—4 Bon Chance 3. Scr: Allie Audubon. Trotting Cup: I—l Zincali, 1; 3—3 Navy Blue, 2: 4—4 Lightning Lady 3. CARTERTON RACES Carterton K..ck Handicap: 2 Wakarara, 1; 1 Blue Border, 2; 5 Haughty Rival 3. All started. RACES AT CROMWELL Bendigo Handicap: 1 Noko (Ford), 1; 3 Bad News (Mackie), 22 Islay Downs (Dooley), 3. Scr: My Song, Evemary. President’s Handicap: 2 Phalanyx (Anderson), 1; 4 Petersham (Wilson), 2: 1 Colonel Rouge (Strath.Vn) 3. All started. TARANAKI RACES A RIG DIVIDEND Taranaki Stakes: Gold Dale 1, Panoni 2. -Paul Memorial Handicap: Notium 1. Gay Fox 2. Ascot Bloom. The winner paid over half a century on the win machine.