French P.M. Clashes With Former P.M.

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31307, 1 March 1967, Page 17

French P.M. Clashes With Former P.M.

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) GRENOBLE (France), February 28. The French election campaign flared into its angriest scenes so far when the Prime Minister, Mr Georges Pompidou, clashed with a former Premier, Mr Pierre Mendes-France, at a mass rally of 1000 people at Grenoble early today.

Hundreds of riot police stood by and violence was feared at the Gaullist-sponsored confrontation between the Prime Minister and Mr MendesFrance, the Socialist opposition leader now attempting a comeback.

Mr Pompidou, the first to speak, was frequently shouted down by hecklers as he praised the achievements of the de Gaulle Government, then later found himself defending it against bitter at tacks by the opposition chief. Mr Mendes-France, who was Premier in 1954 and 1955, attacked the Gaullist Government as anti-democratic and challenged his fellow-speaker to say what he would do if a Left-wing majority were

returned to the National Assembly in the March 5 elections. The French people had a right to know the significance of the election, he said, referring to indications that the present Government may attempt to retain power even if it loses its over-all majority. The former Premier, who resigned when General de Gaulle came to power, said that he had once stood at the General’s side. But he added: “Today, the unconditional authority which

he imposes on his collaborators is contrary to democratic truth and to the dignity of the electors.” Last Word The Premier, who had earlier attacked the “disorder, disunity and confusion” of the opposition parties, ha<J the last word: "Whatever happens, I am sure General de Gaulle after the elections will respect, as he has always done, the liberty of citizens and the greatness of France,” said Mr Pompidou.