The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-04-17
Ambassador Leahy
Recalled By President
CONTINUED from Page y

Leahy was appointed late that
year. But Vlehy continued 10 MAIN
tain lis ambassador In washington
throughout this period.
To Help Axis Victory
Officials here are convinced that
the major objective OF LavRl's re-
turn to power Ia Vlehy IL TO cons
tribute toward an Axis Victory, even
II IL means re-entering the war
against the United Nations,
A highly authoritative source said
President Roosevelt and acting Sec
rotary OF state Sumner Welles ex-
poet Laval 10 start helping the Axis
inilitNrlly by trying 70 reeaptur0 ter
ritory lost 10 the Free French, and
are ready to meet such O fove With
strong Diplomatic counter measures,
Today'S official statement Is ex-
pected 10 reveal whether the United
States Is recalling Its ambassador
from Viehy or Will so the whole
way and break diplomatic relations.
Relations with France have been
maintained without interruption
through oil the life Of the United
States.
American French relations reached
their most critical stage IN two
stormy years last night. Viehy
Ambassador CASTOR Henry Haye
called on Welles and pleaded for
the continuation OF friendship be-
tween the United States and France,
At that moment relations were
near the breaking point,
A high authority said Laval would
not be successful In his plan TO
maintain the same relations with
the United States which existed
prior 10 his return 10 power.
May Deceive People
This authority predicted that La
val, who wants 10 follow q middle
of.the-road policy" between the
United States and Germany, would
attempt to deceive the people OF
France into thinking nc was friend"
iy toward the United States, While
In reality he would DO working TO.
ward q German victory and further
enslavement OF the French people.
II was pointed out that Laval had
staked his personal future on on
Axis Vietory-that IN Axis defeat
would result In his ignoninious end.
The authoritative source said La
Vals game would DO TO lead France
back Into the war on the German
side by Bubterfuge. He said Laval
probably would attempt 10 occupy
by force oil French territory now
under the control OF the Free
French, or rs In the case OF Syria,
by the British. The French fleet
probably would be used In such on
undertaking which certainly would
bring O break In relations with the
United States II not state OF war.
The source said that Laval un-
doubtedly would attempt 10 make
the French people believe no was
only trying 10 regain lost parts OF
the French Empire, wheHas his &C"
tuai aim would DO 10 aid Hitler who
Is expected 10 gamble with O spring
and summer offensive for on About
victory.
Henry -Haye called at the State
Department last evening to deliver
TO WelleS his governments rejection
Of the United States explanation OF
why " had established consular re.
iatlons with the Free French gov.
eminent In French Equatorial
Africa, WelleS told him promptly
that the United States could not &C.
copt Vichy'g point Of view. The
FTenchmaTl revealed this TO waiting
reporters when no emerged from
Weiles' ONCE after 7 p. m. and then
said:
"The long and cordial relations
between the United States and
France can Btill be very useful 10
both countries. France has done
everything possible 70 keep them
alive despite oil the troubles and
niseries, and probably will continue
10 do 50 until the very last"