PRIVATE ARMIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 7

PRIVATE ARMIES.

' — THOUSANDS STRONG FACTIONS IN FRANCE. Amazing Position Revealed at Inquiry. ORGANISED STORM TROOPERS. (United I\A.—Elcctrlc Telegrrph—Copyright) (Received 12 noon.) PARIS, March 7. Huge private semi-armed forces existing throughout France wore described before the Parliamentary Riots Commission by prominent police officials. They comprised:— Firstly, "L'Action Francaise" group of 60,000 members, aiming at the restoration of the monarchy. The police knew the name of the armourer supplying them vith knuckle-dusters. It was stated that tho newspaper "L'Action Francaise," employed armed squads to guard the leaders in the printing works. Secondly, the Jeunesse (Youth) Patriots, an anti-Communist organisation of 90,000 members, divided into 21 districts, of which 16 are in Paris; with mobile units, each of 50 men, as Storm Troopers armed with knuckle-dusters. Thirdly, M. Francois Coty's ''Blue Shirts," otherwise, the "Solidarite Francaise," numbering ISO.OOO members, including 80,000 in Paris, of whom 1500 were blue shirted and grey trousered Storm Troopers. Fourthly, the "Croix de Feu," with 160,000 members, comprising ex-service-men and their sons, including cadets and officers. The active list of the C'roix de Feu (Fiery Cross), which is divided into attack and defence sections, can boast "1500 ready men" for special emergencies. Fifthly, the Taxpayers' Federation, with its 700,000 members, bound to defend taxpayers. Officials gave details of huge lums to he spent in the upkeep of these organisations, with tlie exception of the Taxpayers' Federation, which is the only one of the five whose finances are in a deplorable state and which is unable to meet current bills. Incitement by Press. "Any plot to overthrow the Government was organised by M. Frot," said M. Chiappc, former Prefect of Police, in evidence. He added that he warned M. Daladier that M. Frot, Minister of Marine, was trying to organise an army from the Communists and Socialists against the Royalists. "On the eve of the disturbances I vainly attempted to get the support of Colonel Laroque, leader of the Croix de Feu, and also warned M. Daladier that a wealthy member of Cabinet had been asked to finance the extreme Left forecs, but on my advice he had refused." Witness added that first the Royalist, and later the Left and Right papers had Incited the public to join the rioters, but plans were prepared for a peaceful defence of the Chamber of Deputies. He paid a tribute to Republican loyalty. The police showed a healthy discipline and were a courageous body. "I think if I had been present on February G France would not have had to weep for these dead. "I emphatically deny M. Chiappe's statements, which are more like a detective novel than evidence in a court of justice," declared M. Fvt. The commission writ call MM. Frot and Daladier on Friday if necessary and confront them with M. Cliiappe.