The change consecrates Admiral Darlun's consolidation of his position over the Chief of French forees in Africa which began a week ago with a decree giving him, as Vice-Premier. control over Gen. Weygand's political and economic decisions, as the Gov-@rnment's delegate to north and west Arica, Yesterday's decree gives Admiral Darlan the right of control over Gen, Weygand's military decisions as well and makes Admiral Darian the Supreme commander of the empire as well as the metropolitan armies and alr forees.
already was command of the French Fleet and direction of, the Admiralty as Minister of, "Navy. Aviation continues to be a subsidier; of the other arms of the Frenel forces. because it continues to be a Ge Secretariat of State while the Army end Navy each has Ministry rank.
Henceforth the Council of Ministers will asstime new importance because each minister present will represent the ' various Secretariate of "State. the Council of Ministers will con: Uinute to be presided over by Marshal Petain, buy. that. will be. his sole legislative function beyond the. executive role as Chief of State. Eight nilnisters will sit in the couneif meetings in future—United Press, Vichy Appointments 'Vichy, Aug. 13, Admiral Francois. Darlan, the 'Vice-Premier and Forelyn Minister, has' been "appointed - Minister of National Defence, it was announced here last night. 'M. Henry "Moysse, Secretary of Siate at the Premier's office, and M Tuclen 'Romier have Een' appointed Btinisters of State. 'M, Paul Marion, Secretary-General at the Premier's office, has been appointed Secretary-General of News and Propaganda:
'A semi-oficial statement explain ing, the significance of Admiral Darlan's new "post as Minister of National Defence says:—"While Keeping his offices as, Vice-Premier, Foreign Secretary and Navy Secretary, Admiral Darien now takes over all military powers, 'The Secre {aries of Slate for War, Navy. Alt and Colonies are under him, General Huniciger remains Secrelary of State for Warr General Getngert Secretary of State for. Airy a Admiral' Platgn Secretary of, State for Colonies: Phe Minister of Nation:
Defence responsible for general organization of the national defence, for distribution and use of the farmed forces and for generat inspec {ign of armed forces."
"The Vichy Cabinet with Marshal Petain head is now composed Vice: Premier Minister, for, National Defence. Secretary of State. for Foreign Aifairs, Secretary. of State for Navy. Admiral Dari General Hunsinger; Justice, 2.
Grelemy; Interior," M. Pucheu; National economy" and. Finance. Bouthilier; "Agriculture. MIN. Cet: Supplies. it," Chardin; Coordination of New insiltullons. "M.- Moysset: Stinister of" State. and" permanent Delegate of the Chief of "State the National Council, at. Romler, "The. "Administrative" Comtalssioners" provided for by the new fow of August 11 will function under the direct authority of" the Vices President, of the Council (Admiral Darian) states the news agency.
Their principal task will-be 10 sup-ress. abuses, ud. see that the law carried out in the spirit of nations "revolution.
"They have' power temporarily suspend civil "Servants Military and diplomatic questions, ith the' exception of action arising ror the courts. ie outside, the scope of thelt functions: adds the" news Stency—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.