Evening star., 1941-06-10
U.S., Warning France
On Axis Aid A., Watches
For New PeriIs
Hull Tells Vichy Envoy
Future Policy Will Hinge
On Analysis Of Situation
BY GARRETT ID. HORNER.

The United States, admonishing
France against fighting Germany's S
battle in the Near East, kept a
sharp eye out today for any signs
of more direct menace to this coun-
try's interests in the Vichy govern
ment's collaboration with the Axis.
Secretary of State Hull made it
clear in an informal conference with
French Ambassador CASTOR Henry
Haye yesterday that future Ameri-
can policy toward the Vichy regime
will depend on a current analysis of
all the facts and circumstances in
volved in its relations with Ger
many.
It Is not all all clear to this Gov
eminent, the Secretary was under
stood to have told the Ambassador,
that French action furthering Nazi
interests as opposed to those of the
democracies is confined to Syria and
Lebanon. where French forces are
fighting British and Free French"
troops.
France Indignant"
Mr.. Hull outlined the American
attitude when Mr.. Henry -Haye
called on him to attempt to allay
apprehension here at the scope of
French-German cooperation and to
express the indignation of the
French people" at what he termed
an "unjuStified" attack by the Brit
ish on Syria.
Pointing out that France had not
defended Syria against German PEN
etration, the secretary warned that
this country felt it would be eX-
tremely regreiful if France found
herself in the position of fighting
her former allies to further German
interests in a territory which was
inundated to France but which the
Germans now need for their larger
military movement in the Near East,
1t was learned authoritatively.
Mr. Hull emphasized that the in
terests which the French claim they
are protecting in Syria and Leb-
anon appear from military point
vi NlOW W OC (lOSCl W NICl
interests than to Frances own.
Developments Analyzed.
AS for future American policy.
the secretary said this Government
Is analyzing all developments as
they occur and is studying closely all
acts of Axis cola boration by the
Vichy government beyond its armi-
stice terms, whether Vhey be cultural,
religious. economic or military.
The situation has not changed
yet in way to require new formal
expression from the United States
since last Thursday when Mr. Hull
issued a statement declaring that
the indicated course Of French-Ger-
man collaboration would make
France an instrument of aggres-
sion" and be utterly inimical" to
other countries, he was said to have
added.
The statement to which he re-
ferred implied warning that
France would sacrifice friendly rela-
tions with this country entirely if
she pursued such course, and that
American forces would take over
French possessions in this hemis-
phere Immediately upon evidence
that Germany was gaining a foot
hold in them.
Conversation Called Cordial"
Mr.. HenryHaye, who had been
seeking a conference with Mr.. Hull
since his statement was issued last
Thursday, was received yesterday in
the Secretary'S apartment in the
Wardman Park Hotel, where he was
confined by slight cold.
: The Ambassador described the
conversation as cordial" telling re-
porters he had assured Mr.. Hull that
no German troops were in Syria or
Lebanon, and reiterating that
France did not intend cooperation
with the Axis to an extent that
would menace this country. He in
sisted that France never would
take the initiative" in a break Of
relations with the United States.
He said France was both angry
and sad" at unexplained" opera
tions by the British against Syria
(which have no Justification what
ever" remarking that he could not
see how any one "can say those who
are attacked are responsible for it."