FRENCH STABILITY FORECAST

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32011, 11 June 1969, Page 3

FRENCH STABILITY FORECAST

Lack of sufficient wage I increases, and the restless- [ ness of youth were the main causes of recent unrest in France, the French ; Ambassador (Mr J. F. Duj flos) told a recent special i meeting of the Alliance j Francaise in Christchurch. i Reduction of the Senate’s powers and more emphasis on regional rather than central administration were the issues of the recent referendum, said a report from the meeting. Although General de Gaulle had general support the majority of voters were opposed to decentralisation. They were surprised and sad that the General, who made the referendum a personal issue, had resigned, he said. Before the election it seemed that Mr Alain Poher would gain strong support from liberal and centre voters because he had made a strong impression as a liberal, kindly, sympathetic man. The election for the Presidency was still open, but whatever the result, France should enter a stable period, he said. Items were presented by pupils of Linwood High

School and St Marys College, and Miss T. Davies, and Mr T. McMahon.