NEWS OF THE WEEK
HITLER has found himself confronted with a stiffer proposi- tion than he had probably anticipated in his dealings with the Vichy Government, now purged of the sinister influence of Laval. Marshal Petain had no choice but to release the arrested ex-Minister when Abetz insisted, but that did not mean his restoration to favour. Last October it appeared at the Marshal was willing enough to " co-operate " with 'tier so long as the latter acted in accordance with the sup- ied " gentleman's agreement." But that he should construe o-operation as meaning permission to transport German troops over unoccupied France, to make use of the Mediterranean ports, and to put what remains of the French fleet at the disposal of Germany, meant a violation of the Armistice terms against which Marshal Petain has evidently set his face. True; there is nothing to stop Hitler from marching his troops across Southern France to Toulon, and making what use he likes of the port. But there is Northern Africa still intact, with General Weygand in charge, and capable of organising the forces of the French African Empire, and operating the French warships from its ports ; and General Weygand would almost certainly act if Petain defied Hitler and resigned. The Vichy Govern- ment, in fact, has now great bargaining-power, and is aware of it. So is Hitler, and one can hardly suppose that he will be rash enough to take the steps which would certainly turn the whole French African Empire against him.
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