He said the colonies should be industrialized. The war had shown that decentralization of vital industries was prudent. This would not weaken industry in metropolitan France, but would give colonial subjects greater buying power. The main goal was to improve agriculture, roads and transportation so as to develop exports. Development of industry was secondary. Development of primary industries such as energy and building materials would ensure a basic level of economic autonomy, and in some cases more advanced industries could be introduced, while avoiding any revolutionary change. Platon was Colonial Secretary until 18 April 1942, when he was succeeded by Jules Brévié. This coincided with Pierre Laval's return to office as Prime Minister. Under Laval Platon was made responsible for anti-Masonic activities. The French authorities had created the anti-masonic Service des sociétés secrètes (SSS) in May 1941. Platon was made chief of this service. Platon ordered the expulsion of some categories of Jews from the Clermont-Ferrand region, which started in late June 1942, to make housing available for government employees. In September 1942 Platon was informed that about 70% of the Jews whose cases had been examined had been expelled. In August and September 1942 Platon blamed the defeat of France by Germany on the absence of discipline, the love of pleasure and the destruction of the family. He also blamed secret societies, Freemasons, Jews and trusts. To restore the grandeur of France he called for obedience and order, total loyalty to the leader, courage, patience, honesty and discipline. On 1 November 1943 Platon, as head of the SSS, reported that, Platon believed that England was the enemy, and was furious at the scuttling of the French fleet in Toulon on 27 November 1942. Darlan reprimanded him for displaying a large signed portrait of Maurras in his cabin. Laval forced Platon to retire to Pujols on 26 March 1943. He was arrested at his home by the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans on 22 July 1944, and after a summary trial was found guilty of giving intelligence to the enemy. He was executed by a firing squad on 28 August 1944; proud and arrogant, he himself gave the order to shoot.