FASCISM IN FRANCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 202, 28 August 1933, Page 7

FASCISM IN FRANCE.

MANY SIGNS OF CONVERSION. LONDON, August 22. "Will France go Fascist?" asks Mr. Sisley Huddleston, author and journalist, in the "Daily Mail." He adds that a few years ago nobody would havs predicted that Fascism would spread to France, but following Mussolini's extraordinary triumph there are numerous signs of conversion. France's present weakness, he says,'is that she has too many rulers, none of whom really govern. There are the President, Premier, Government, Parliament, and numerous commissions and extra-Parliamentary congresses, mostly checking initiative and causing amazing political instability. Therefore, it is not remarkable when Italy, Germany and America have been converted to the necessity for prompt decisions, drastic action, and centralised control, that France is turning towards Fascist doctrines, although most politicians are still afraid of the term "Fascism." The Prime Minister, M. Daladier, faced with a financial situation requiring bold handling, contemplates taking special powers; while the moderates, including M. Tardieu, plead for reform of the Constitution, increasing the Government's responsibility. Even more startling is the fact that many Socialists are demanding the overhauling of Marxism with a view of inelusion of French, characteristics, thereby theoretically approximating National Socialism. Whether the French neo-Fascists continue depends upon the production of ail undisputed leader of ability and coura°'c; but, as Franco has never yet wanted for the "providential man," he doubtless will duly appear,, especially if a crisis arises. I