Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-05-04
Laval as Test Case


The aerial flight OF Pierre Laval
from the crumbling Reich to Spain
is the first attempt of leading war
criminal" to escape retribution by
seeking refuge on neutral soil. Other
similar attempts presumably will be
made. Yet 1t is unlikely that any
of these outstanding culprits will
escape the long arm OF United Ma
tons justice, because such eventuali-
ties have been foreseen and arrange
ments have been made accordingly
During the past year, diplomatic
pressure has been concertedly exer-
cised by the Allied powers upon all
remaining neutral nations, and as
sufances have been received from
them that they will not exercise the
traditional right OF granting asylum
to political refugees. In most cases
these assurances have been specific
and comprehensive. The only neu-
trail government to be evasive In
this respect is that of Fire: but 1t
seems incredible that the De Valera
government would risk the penalties
which could be imposed for shelter
ing Axis offenders.
The sudden appearance OF a Jun
kers military plane at the Barcelona
airport, carrying Laval, some minor
Vichyite officials and members of
their families, was doubtless as en-
barrassing as it was surprising to
the Franco government. Having re-
fused an offer of the Spanish au-
thorities to quit Spanish soil imme-
diately. Laval and his companions
were interned for disposition by the
Allies. Although the precise method
of their extradition has not yet been
announced, it will certainly be done,
presumably to France. where Laval
has already been sentenced to death
In absentia by the French courts. So
the presumption is that, as soon as
he is in French custody. the SEN
tence will be quickly carried out.
No execution will be more gener-
ally acclaimed, both in France and
in the rest of the civilized world,
than that OF Frances arch collab-
orator with the Axis. Even before
the present war, Pierre Laval had
become symbolic OF all that was
worst in the political life Of the
Third Republic. This swarthy son
OF Auvergne was noted for trickery
and ouble-dealing which. unfor-
tunately for his country, Melted him
high political advancement, includ-
ing the premiership, plus a large
fortune acquired by shady practices.
The German conquest Of France
gave Laval what seemed to him a
golden opportunity. Casting in his
lot frankly with the invaders, he
literally "muscled into" a top posi-
ton IN the Vichy regime. "A brasen
attempt to reduce Marshal sPetain
to a mere figurehead was tempo
rarily foiled by the anger OF the old
Marshal, who deposed him from his
high Office and put him under ar
rest. From this plight he was rescued
by German pressure, which COM
PEELED Petain to appoint Laval
Chief Of Government" correspond
ing to the premiership In the former
parliamentary regime. As such,
Laval was responsible for Ill the
measures which rendered France
the helpless puppet Of German tyr
amy and exploitation. Fleeing with
the retreating Germans before the
Allied invasion of France last year,
Laval and his fellow traitors found
temporary sanctuary in the Reich,
where they maintained a shadow
government" Now. like rats leav-
ing a sinking ship, Laval and some
Of his colleagues have tried to make
a getaway. Fortunately. there is no
chance whatever that this last des-
perate attempt will succeed.