Vichy, Aug. 13. ADMIRAL Francois Darlan today obtained a degree of power no other Frenchman has attained ince Napoleon. He tightened his grip on power yesterday by obtaining a decree from Marshal Philippe Petain design: ting him Minister of. National Defence, charged with synchronizing the Army, Navy and Air Force and the Ministry of Colonies in the metropolitan and empire defence, Retaining "the Vice-Premiership, Foreign Ministership as well as com: mand of the French Fleet, direction of the Admiralty and direction of Propaganda and news. Admiral Da fon' further strengthened his power by obtaining signature on several Aeerees which. virtually eliminate the former Parliament by cutting off the salaries of senators and deputies from
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