MR REYNAUD REJECTED

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27052, 29 May 1953, Page 9

MR REYNAUD REJECTED

Vote In French Assembly

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) 2. pm ) PARIS, May 28. The French National Assembly early today rejected the nomination of Mr Paul Reynaud for Prime Minister. Mr Paul Reynaud. who is 75, had told the assembly that he would agree to form a new government only if it amended the constitution to give him what would .virtually amount to 18 months’ security of tenure. The voting figures showed that Mr Reynaud was supported by only 276 votes instead of the 314 constitutionally necessary to approve him as Prime Minister. / There were 235 votes against him. Mr Reynaud asked that the Constitution be amended so that a General Election would be held if the Government fell after less than 18 months in office.

That request met strong hostility not only from the Socialist opposition, but also from many members of Government parties. Replying to questions about his future programme Mr Reynaud said that no-one could say in advance exactly how he would meet a future situation.

That comment and the lack of detail on the measures he would use to deal with the financial position also displeased the Assembly. The de Gaullists were inclined to vote for him as far as Constitutional reform was concerned, but half of them withdrew their support after listening to a statement by Mr Reynaud on the European Army, of which he is a supporter. The President is now expected to call on Mr Georges Bidault to become Prime Minister-designate. If he, too, fails, the President will probably call on a Radical leader such as the present Education Minister, Mr Andre Marie, whose chances are estimated as fairly good.