The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-08


Following the French collapse,
Reynaud attempted to escape from
the country. His plan was to go
to Portugal and embark for the
United States, where he hoped to
be made French ambassador. He
made his dash in two automobiles.
In one he travelled with Coun-
tess Helene de Portes, the small,
homely, shrill-voiced widow for
whom he left his wife several years
ago and had French divorce laws
changed so he could marry her in
1941. AS has been reported, this
car went off the road, killing
the Countess and severely injuring
Reynaud.
The other car contained Rey-
naud's two private secretaries,
baggage and the mysterious trunk.
This car was seized at the Span
ish border. There, search Of the
trunk disclosed that 1t. contained:
100000 francs in paper
money, presumably from French
public funds.
A large quantity. Of gold.
A large quantity of jewels be-
longing to the Countess.
Numerous confidential state
documents, among them secret
French plans for the destruc-
ton of Rumanian oil wells to
prevent their falling into Nazi
hands.
Confronted with this evidence
in the hospital, Reynaud vehe-
mently denied knowing anything
about the contents of the trunk.
He asserted that If the money,
jewels and documents were taken,
it was without his knowledge and
approval. He placed the blame
on the two secretaries.
NOTE-The Petain government,
acting under Nazi orders, has not
revealed the fact that Berlin has
billed the French for a large sum
to cover the cost of the German
occupation. This will give Berlin
the basis for claim on French
gold and dollar credits in the U.
S., which the Treasury took I'M
der control Immediately after the
French surrender.
GENERAL PERSHING
Gen. Pershing's solemn warning
that unless aid is given the Bri-
fish fleet to resist Hitler, the
United States faces certain attack
was not a reply to the appease-
ment broadcast of Col. Lindbergh.
When the A. e. F. commander de-
cided, after a study of confidential
military reports, to come out Of
retirement and speak to the ma
ton. he did not know that the
flyer also planned to talk.
Also, Pershing wrote his speech
without any knowledge of what
Lindbergh would say. However.
Pershing did tune in on the lat
ter's broadcast. But 1t was only
for few minutes.
The General of the Armies
became so incensed at Lind
bergh's views that he turned off
the radio and snapped, That's
outrageous. I'm saying nothing
about that young man In my
talk tonight, but I shall make it
my business to do so on another
occasion"
NOTE-Pershing has made only
a few broadcasts, and when Miss
Ann ellis, chic Columbia Broad
casting press director, explained
that the signal to begin speaking
was a finger pointed at him, he
laughingly inquired: whats the
signal to stop? That may be
necessary, rs I may start reading
my speech all over again"
BRITISH EMBASSY
Not for Q generation has there
been such q lively and effective
staff at the British Embassy in
washington. Things have changed
from the days of Sir Ronald Lind
say. when everything had to be
'propah".
Lord Lothian started the change
but 1t has been broadened by the
recent arrival Of O corps Of forth
right young Britishers who are not
career diplomats but recruits for
war work. Today the Embassy
has no time for the coolie-push-
efs.
Here are some OF the men who
have brought new blood TO the
Georgian mansion on Massachu.
sets avenue: