Tough conditions for French Communists

Press, 3 June 1981, Page 8

Tough conditions for French Communists

NZPA-Reuter Paris The French Socialist and Communist parties have opened talks on an alliance in parliamentary elections this month and possible future Communist participation in the Government. But the conditions which the Socialists have laid down for Communist participation in the new Cabinet to be formed after the June 14 and 21 elections appear so stiff that many commentators expect the 'Communists will ultimately drop their demands for portfolios. Leaders of the two groups

have "held several meetings since Mr Francois Mitterrand was elected President on May 10. The official talks fall within the framework of the General Election campaign which began on Monday. Most commentators say the Socialists have entered into the talks with practically all the advantages, because of a poor showing by the Communist leader, Georges Marchais, in the first round of the presidential poll- » , . -. . According to’ . Socialist Partv sources,“the conditions include demands for what

would be a virtual break between the Moscow-aligned French Communists and the Soviet Union. Communist participation in Government would be conditional on their signing a common charter with the Socialists that would include outright condemnation of Soviet action in Afghanistan and of the stationing of Soviet SS2O missiles in Eastern Europe, the sources said. The charter would also include a pledge to support all moves decided -by Mr Mitterrand, which • would deprive 'the' Communists of „ independent action.