DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21807, 12 June 1936, Page 11

DEMONSTRATION IN PARIS

STRIKES TAKE UGLIER TURN WORKERS REFUSING TO RETURN USE OF FORCE NOT ALLOWED (united tebss association— copiHiaat.) (Received June 11, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, JAne 11. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says the elatioji in Government labour circles at the settlement of the strikes in principle is evaporating. There is even renewed alarm in some quarters,,not only because the strikers refuse to resume, in spite of the generous terms, but the strike, hitherto a model of discipline and good humour, is taking an uglier turn. M. Daladier has announced the arrest of a number of armed agents provocateurs, and the strikers are organising street demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere. A procession to-day obstructed traffic. There is a danger of such demonstrations becoming unmanageable, especially as M. Leon Blum (the Premier) has declared that he would not use force against the strikers, which is regarded as a blunder, even by friendly critics. There is also the possibility of counter demonstrations by the Croix de Feu and less peaceful bodies. The Paris correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” considers that it is becoming clearer every day that France is entering a new phase. She is tired of the three years of depression; she considers that conservatism and economic caution are played out, and she is prepared to engage in experiments regardless of danger. The psychological atmosphere has enormously improved, hope replacing widespread pessimism, even among the employers.