Main and Goring
In their meeting at St. Florentin-Vergigny Marshal Main and Goring were reported to have had "a long discussion on matters of interest to Germany and France." It is something more than their mutual interest in the "Bolshevist danger," mentioned by the Wilhelmstrasse that has brought them together. The per- sistence and success with which they pressed for the removal of Weygand showed the eagerness of the Nazis to secure a firm footing in French Africa and the use of Tunisian ports, and they still cast covetous eyes on the French fleet. The campaign in Libya and the difficulty of reinforcing their army there by way of Italian ports have made it a matter of urgency that they should be able to operate through French Africa and the port of Bizerta, and have landing-grounds for the Luftwaffe west of Tripoli. If, in addition, they could secure the co-operation of the French fleet their position in the Mediterranean and Africa would be greatly improved. Goring also is personally interested in induc- ing the French to speed up their production of aircraft for his Luftwaffe, which has been losing so many machines in Russia. Vichy had already promised eight out of every ten aeroplanes manufactured in France, though the output has been less than the Germans had hoped for. What is Goring offering in ex- change for the vast concessions he asks? The return of the French prisoners, by whose release the Marshal hopes to placate his grieved countrymen? A favoured place in relation to German economy? The friendship of Hitler towards men who will have done him such signal services at the expense of former allies? Weygand is removed. Huntziger is dead. It is Darlan who prompts Main to measures of collaboration and treachery.
