Evening star., 1942-04-17
Envoy Expected
To Leuve France
At EorIy Dote
BY GARNETT ID. HORNER.

pressed its displeasure with the
new Laval government Of France
by calling Ambassador William
D. Leahy home for consultation.
In announcing the move, Acting
Secretary OF State Welles indicated
a statement fully outlining official
American reaction to Developments
in Vichy which have thrown Pierre
Laval, pro-Axis French leader. into
power will be forthcoming soon.
Mr.. Welles refused TO discuss the
question OF whether Admiral Leahy
would return to Vichy after his con-
sultations in Washington. He said
only that President Roosevelt had
requested the Ambassador TO return
for consultation In view OF the
events OF the last few days and the
fact that the new French govern
ment is composed of elements domi-
mated by Laval. with all that implies.
Without an Ambassador on duty
In Vichy, relations between the
United States and the Laval govern
ment will be the same as those
which existed between this country
and Germany for many months be-
fore the United States entered the
war.
Expected to Leave Vichy Soon.
Mr. Welles said Ambassador Leahy
is expected to leave Vichy soon, but
that his departure will be delayed
for a few days by illness of Mrs.
Leahy. She was operated on re-
Gently, but a quick convalescence is
expected.
The American Embassy in Vichy
will then be left in charge OF Somer-
Vile P. Tuck, counselor OF the En-
bassy who will act as charge daft
faires.
Mr.. Welles said he had no infor-
nation on whether CASTOR Henry
Haye, French Ambassador here,
would be recalled to Vichy.
While the entire future course OF
American relations with Vichy are
under study all previous arrange
ments for economic assistance to
French North Africa and unoccu-
pied France will remain suspended,
Mr.. Welles said.
Conferred With Envoy.
The Acting Secretary also told
his press conference he had in
formed the French Ambassador at
a conference last night that 1t was
impossible for him to accept a
Vichy communication rejecting Mr..
Welles' note of April 13, explaining
III a-l, rNf AYNNC vi fNo ~
sulate in Free French Equitorial
Africa.
He told Mr.. Henry -Haye, Mr..
Welles said. that 1t was notorious
that the French communication
was submitted and approved by
German officials before it was sent
to Washington. and that in these
circumstances 1t could not be con-
sidered here. The French note re-
tected Mr.. Welles' statement of
policy as injurious and rejecting on
French honor.
Mr.. Welles said he informed Mr..
Henry -Haye that the entire incident
was one of the most amazing that
could conceivably take place in view
of the more than $50 years of
friendship between the American
and French people.
His note. Mr.. Welles recalled, en-
phasized this traditional friendship,
expressed full recognition of French
difficulties under German domina-
ton and announced that victory of
the United Nations would restore
liberty to the French people and
the integrity of French possessions.
Wants Position Understood.
The calling home of Ambassador
Leahy is in line with this Govern
ment's determination not to give
Laval any grounds for attempting
10 make the French people believe
his regime Is acceptable to the
United States.
Ofhcials here were convinced that
since LavalS personal fortunes de-
pend on German victory in the war
he will do everything he can to
force the French people to help
Germany. 1t remained to be seen
Just how far Laval will be able to
move in this direction.
Ringing on the outcome, was the
possibility OF shooting war be-
tween the French and Allied nsvies.
1t was known that the United
States was watching closely foI
Iavals first move in the sphere
of grand strategy. A highly COM
petent source said there was evil
dence that the Swarthy man in
the white tie who came back 10
power last Tuesday was planning to
throw the French feet into a cam
paign to recapture French posses
SionS now in the hands Of Free
French forces hostile to Vichy.
Fleet Moves Seen.
He would not turn the feet over
TO Germany, but employ it as an
independent French force in cam
paignS doye-tailing with Hitler'S
wishes. It was expected he might
attempt to drive the Free French
and British out of Syria. or send
warShipS and troop transports to
the African coast TO try to wreSt
control of Equatorial Africa from
the followers of Gen. Charles De
Gaulle, or strengthen Vlchy'S hold
on strategic Dakar.
Whatever Laval may be planning
especially if his plans involve the
Western Hemisphere possessions OF
France martinique, Gsudeloupe
French Guiana)-it was emphasized
IN high nuarters here that the