Evening star., 1940-11-20
U.S.. Sending Murphy
To Vichy; New Phase
Of Relations Seen
Move Linked to Reports
That Petuin Is BoIkinq
At Aid for Axis
BY the Associated Press.

In0t TetQln IS ooIkInQ
At Aid for Axis
BY the Associated Press.
Relations between the United
States and France entered an ap-
parently new phase today, coinci-
dent with the increasing reports
that Marshal Henri Petain was
showing disposition to 60 slow in
collaborating with the axis powers
First tangible sign Of a possible
change was the fact that Robert D.
Murphy. veteran of 10 years diplo-
matte service In France before and
during the war, was ordered back to
Vichy to take up the duties Of charge
d'affaires. Mr.. Murphy, formerly
counselor at the Paris Embassy, has
been in this country for several
months.
In sending Mr. Murphy back to
Vichy at this time, it was indicated
that the Government felt it desir-
able to normalize relations to a
greater extent. The charge d'af1aires d
was expected to carry detailed in
structions for explaining to the
Petain regime the attitude Of the
United States on numerous out
standing questions.
Resistance to Axis Reported.
The impression, meanwhile, ap-
peared to be growing here in govern
ment quarters that Petain person.
ally was offering strong resistance
to axis pressure on some points of
vital concern to the United States,
particularly the use of French naval
bases in Africa and some of the
French fleet.
Petains protest over German ex-
pulsion of the French population
from Lorraine was regarded here as
a sign that the aged chief of state
was drawing a line on the extent
OF collaboration with the axis.
One possibility advanced in GER
tain diplomatic quarters here was
that, if pressed too hard by the axis,
Petain might decide to fly to North
Africa and set up a government of
resistance there. This, however. was
not regarded as an imminent hkeli-
hood
More immediate diplomatic in
terest attached to the continued
presence in North Africa of Gen.
Maxine Weygand, former French
generalissimo and commander of
French forces in the Near East.
He is reported to have resisted
efforts of some French officials to
induce him to return to France.
Stumbling Block to Axis.
France has large forces of profess
sional soldiers still under arms in
parts of Africa and in Syria. If
axis pressure on the French should
provoke forcible resistance again.
these armies might prove a big
stumbling block to Rome Berlin
plans for the Mediterranean area.
In some quarters here the belief was
Nhpi SSoCu lllol oCll "CNs sdllO lIllslll
be strengthening the French forces
in that area for just such purpose.
But there also has been speculation
that his mission is to prepare the
defense of these French colonies
against the free France" forces of
Gen Charles de Gaulle
However should Petain quit Vichy
fNr North Afyipo halinpnl
here that the old marshal could
command the immediate support of
Gen. Weygand and the colonial
forces under him, and that events
also might bring a reconciliation
with Gen de Gaulle.
Wider Response Seen.
While considering all of these
possibilities, government officials
were more Immediately concerned
with the prospect that Vichy, on the
other hand. might decide to respond
even more to axis pressure ana
promises
Mr. Murphy. who is returning to
Vichy, has, like Ambassador William
c. Bullitt, been in the United States
since the summer. American affairs
in France. meanwhile, have been
handled by Freeman Matthews. who
was first secretary Of the Embassy
in Paris where Mr.. Murphy was
counselor.
There was no indication that Mr..
Bullitt or another ambassador would
be sent to France in the immediate
future. Mr.. Bullltt submitted his
resignation November 7, but Presi-
dent Roosevelt at his press con-
ference yesterday declined to say
whether he had accepted it.