Evening star., 1941-06-05
Statement Hints
u. ). Seizure
Vichy Collaboration
With Germany Hit
AS 'InimicubIe'

warned France today of the con-
sequences of becoming an in
Strument of aggression" for Ger
many and indicated that Ameri-
can occupation of French pos
sessions in the Western Hemi-
sphere might be near.
In a formal statement. Secretary
of State Hull asserted that regular
preliminary official reports indicated
the French government had adopted
policy of collaboration with other
powers for the purposes of aggres-
sion and oppression"
This, the Secretary declared,
would be utterly inimical" to the
rights of other countries and he
added:
We have collaborated with the
other American republics as well as
with the French government in
safeguarding the welfare and main
tanning the integrity Of the French
possessions in this hemisphere"
indicating a change in American
policy toward the Vichy govern
ment, Mr. Hull pointed out that it
had been the determined policy Of
this Government to continue friend
ly and helpful cooperation with
France"
Based on Armistice Terms.
This policy" he added. has been
based upon assurances by the
French government that there was
no intention on its part to exceed
the strict limitations imposed by
the terms of its armistice with Ger
many and Italy.
The statement indicated that in
addition to occupation of the French
colonies by the United States and
other American nations. restrictions
on the use of frozen" French funds
would be tightened drastically and
food shipments to France cut off
entirely if definite evidence Of the
reported extension of French COL
liberation with the Axis developed.
He said this Government was
undertaking as speedily as possible
to assemble every material fact and
circumstance calculated to shed
light on this alleged course of the
French government"
Scarcely BelievabIe."
Remarking that only preliminary
reports have been received so far
from Admiral William D. Leahv.
American Ambassador to Vichy, the
Secretary said:
1T would seem scarcely believ-
able that the French government
/ at Vichy should adopt the policy
Of collaboration with other pow
ers for the purpose Of aggression
and oppression - despite indica-
tions appearing in our preliminary
/ reports.
Frankly, We are very much con-
cerned about the situation which
seems to be growing up"
Such action" he added in refer
ence to extension of French colIab-
oration with her conquerors, would
not only be yielding priceless rights
and interests beyond requirements
of harsh armistice, but it would
at once place France in substantial
political and military subservience
and would also make her, in part.
the instrument of aggression against
many other peoples and nations.
"Inimicar to Other Countries.
This could only be utterly inim-
ical to the just rights of other coun-
tries, to say nothing of its ultimate
effects on the liberties, the true in
tereSts and the welfare of the peo-
pie Of France"
The Secretary's statement was is
sued in response to inquiries from
newspapermen concerning reports
of Ambassador Leahy about de-
velopments in Vichy indicating
France was preparing to give active
assistance to the Axis.
1t followed French denials of re-
ports that German submarines al
ready are being based at Dakar in
French West Africa-where Presi-
dent Roosevelt has declared a Ger
man foothold would be a menace to
this hemlsphere-and of French CO.
operation with Axis forces against
the British in French-mandated
Syria.
Reviews Friendly Relations.
Reviewing friendly relations that
have been maintained with France
by this Government, the Secretary
listed numerous specific methods
of cooperation that have aided
France. His emphasis on the bene-
fits to France from United States
cooperation implied an appeal to
the French people to reject any
policy of their government that
would make its continuance impos-
Sible.
LAS you know" Mr.. Hull said, I'VE
have throughout our history been
sympathetic to the true aspirations
Of France. We have fought beside
her. Her course has been our course.
The principles of free representative =
government by the people have been
the basis of the democratic institu-
tions of both of our countries. 3
In her present difficult situation,
We have given concrete evidence of
our sympathetic friendship and =
thought for the well-being of the
French people and the French
empire.
I'VE have continued to maintain
full and friendly diplomatic rela-
tionship with the French govern
ment at Vichy and have received
its emissaries freely in this country.
Financial Problems Considered.
I'VE have given the fullest and
most sympathetic consideration to ,
financial problems connected with
the maintenance of French estab-