FRENCH CRISIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 86, 22 January 1946, Page 3

FRENCH CRISIS

GENERAL DE GAULLE’S RESIGNATION CONSTERNATION IN PARIS INTENSE POLITICAL ACTIVITY (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) LONDON, .Tnmiary 21. The first reaction in Paris to General de Gaulle’s resignation was one of consternation, as the public was quite unprepared for the development. Intense political activity is going on in the capital this morning. A long meeting was held between the Communists and the Popular Republican Party (Left-wing Catholics) and the Communist and Socialist leaders are to confer later to-day. According to Reuter’s correspondent the possibilities favour a joint Socialist - Communist Government with Radical participation. The French Foreign Minister (M. Bidanlt) is not likely to return to London for the United Nations General Assembly until the political crisis is solved. The “Daily Mail’s’’ correspondent in Paris says: “General de Gaulle’s letter of resignation stated that, he was resigning because of the impossibility of creating a new Army, as nothing less than 25 per cent, cuts in military credits are demanded by the Socialists, but though, this is the official reason it is understood that his dispute with the Communists oyer the constitution is one'of the main difficulties.”

According to the Paris correspondent of the Associated Press. General de Gaulle told Cabinet yesterday: “I have had enough. I do not want to assume the direction of a Government in which political parties and groups do not cease to attack me.” He then walked out of the meeting. “Jt is at present noi clear win General de Gaulle, resigned,” says the Paris correspondent of “The limes, “but all three parties apparently made up their minds Chat General de Gaulle had to go within the next- few weeks. The last to decide were the Popular Republicans, General de Gaulle’s most loyal supporters, who made up their minds about, 48 lipurs ago that the coalition must be broken up. “There is nothing to show that tnej inspired General de Gaulle’s decision, but- the official announcement last Friday denying that General do Gaulle, intended to form a political party does not rule out the possibility that lie may have concerted his decision with the Popular Republicans.

Communists Disturbed “The Communist Party is reported to lie disturbed over the way the resignation came about, though it was openly preparing public opinion toi the end of the three-party coalition and the advent of a new popular front without General de Gaulle, the Socialist Party seems to have seen, during the last, fortnight-, ■ that as a breach would be inevitable it should not be provoked. Since soon after the liberation a joint Socialist and Communist committee for closer understanding has existed. It was dormant almost since creation, but in the middle of last week it came to life and published a declaration reaffirming its intention to reach a joint understanding on the day’s problems, particularly the drafting of a new constitution, and it, announced Hint a- joint demonstration would be held to celebrate the anniversary of the Republic.” Lu an earlier report the same correspondent said: “Tension within the French Government, which had been increasing since the patched-up quarrel over the military estimates lasi month, reached the flash-point abruptly on Saturday night. Messages were sent to all available Ministers to meet in Council at mid-day on Sunday. When the Ministers had assembled, General de Gaulle appeared before them flanked by two aides-de-camp, lie announced his resignation ’and was out again in less than 10 minutes. He told the Ministers that the conditions in which he expected to lead the Government were such that be could not continue. The, Assembly must find a new leader for governing and work out its own solution. • “'The Council remained in session for nearly an hour after General de Gaulle left. Many of the Ministers were taken aback by his decision. It was so absolute. They expected the General to try to impose some conditions for his remaining in power, but apparently the decision was taken unconditionally, and General de Gaulle proposes to let the Assembly take the full burden of the country’s government.’”

Serious This Time "Once more there is a political crisis in France, and this time it is really serious/’- says a correspondent who‘explains that General de Gaulle called a special meeting of his Gainnet. giving the members no indication of wind the business of the meeting was to be. When they had assembled lie walked in and gave them a tonguelashing lasting five minutes, anti then, wi 1 h a curt ‘‘Good morning, gentlemen,” walked out, leaving them stunned and speechless. “The whole of the General s remarks have, not been disclosed, but il is understood Ihat he complained bitterly of political sniping and manoeuvring behind Ihe scenes,” continues the correspondent. “Several factors have contributed to General de Gaulle's dissatisfaction. One is the Communists’ demand for a two-party Government of themselves and the Socialists. Then again, the new constitution now being drafted does not meet with General de Gaulle’s approval. The food situation is also bad, with everyone blaming everyone else for it. General de Gaulle has also been annoyed by what he considered interference with Army matters bv politicians. It remains to be seen whether an eleventh-hour compromise can be found this time. The Communists have agreed to the formation of a new j three-party Government, provided the head of their party is .its leader. The Popular Republican Party is believed to have agreed to the formation ot a new Government, but it will reject the Communist leader as its head.'