WASHINGTON BREAKS WITH VICHY
Invasion army set for drive into Tunisia
Roosevelt notifies ruler of U.S. intention to smash at Axis
By Merriman Smith, United Press staff writer
Washington –
The U.S. government formally announced the breaking off of diplomatic relations with Vichy France as American invasion troops in French North Africa prepared to drive across Tunisia and attack from the rear the remnants of Axis power in Libya.
White House disclosures and statements by Secretary of State Cordell Hull at a press conference left no doubt that the unprecedented American operations started Saturday night were a prelude to efforts to smash the Axis in Africa and then to invade Europe.
In announcing the breach with France, formally ending relations between the two countries dating back to the American Revolution, Mr. Hull revealed that he had not waited for French Ambassador Gaston Henry-Haye to call for his passport. The document was sent to the handsome, dapper representative of Vichy by messenger.
Declaration uncertain
The government, however, did not order the break first. It acted only after Vichy informed our representatives there that relations were at an end. Mr. Hull said the matter of a declaration of war was not presently involved.
Allied intentions to drive through Tunisia were confirmed by White House announcement that President Roosevelt had notified Tunisian authorities that U.S. forces would pass through Tunisia. This means they will drive eastward from beachheads in Algeria to catch Rommel’s forces in a nutcracker between the Americans and the British chasing him into Libya.
Vichy ships taken over
The sole Allied aim, Mr. Roosevelt’s messages said, is:
…the elimination of the forces of evil from North Africa.
Mr. Hull disclosed that the scope of the new operations is expected to assume even greater proportions. He said the present expedition is a preliminary step to an eventual campaign to come to the relief of all enslaved people on Europe.
Mr. Hull also revealed that the United States is taking into protective custody. Vichy merchant ships now in American ports. He said he thought the number was small. Earlier, the Treasury had formally classed Vichy France as “enemy territory" for all trade and financial purposes.
…