 |
“negotiations.” It is clear that this conference was in no
real sense the opening of negotiations between parties free to deal with each
oilier without compulsion. It was rather the perfect setting for the issuance
of the German ultimatum to the French dyestuffs industry, which was to be
subjected to Farben’s control.
The French industry was faced with
an unenviable alternative: It could pursue the path of collaboration and
surrender, recognizing the plight created by the situation in the light of
Farben's demands, or, if it chose to resist, it entailed the risk of perhaps
more severe treatment at the hands of the occupying authorities or of future
governmental commissions appointed for handling the matter in connection with
the negotiation of a treaty of peace. The French feared the exercise of the
power of German occupation either to take over the plants completely or to
dismantle and cart them away to Germany, in keeping with the pattern that had
been established for military occupation by policies of the Third Reich.
Notwithstanding these dread alternatives, the French were outspoken and
vigorous in their resistance to the German demands. They were, however, astute
enough not to break off negotiations completely.
On the following day,
22 November 1940, a second conference was held between representatives of
Farben — including von Schnitzler, ter Meer, Waibel and Kugler — and
representatives of the French group, with no government officials in
attendance. Farben's demands for majority participation and absorption of the
French dyestuffs industry were forcefully made at this conference. The French
continued their protests. They refused to accept the proposals, but still
without breaking off negotiations. In view of the situation, they stated that
they would report the matter to the French Government for counsel and advice.
They were advised by their government not to break off negotiations because
such a step might have serious repercussions. Postponement and delay in the
negotiations was in complete harmony with Farben’s plan to force the
French group into submission. Subsequently a French counterproposal was
presented to Farben representatives on 20 January 1941 at a meeting in Paris.
This proposal represented the limits beyond which the French hoped not to be
compelled to go. It was proposed that there be created a sales combine with a
minority interest in Farben, the French holding the majority of the shares.
This proposal was rejected by Farben. It did not satisfy the claim to
leadership. It became increasingly clear, as the negotiations progressed, that
this was a matter which would be settled entirely on Farben’s terms.
Farben’s demand was for outright control of the French dyestuffs industry
by 51 percent participation in the stock of a new corporation, Francolor, which
was to be formed to take over all of the assets of Kuhlmann, Saint-Clair, and
Saint-Denis. Reluctantly the French accepted in principle the German demand for
consolidation |
1149 |
. 
