TARDIEU FALLS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 62, 6 December 1930, Page 9

TARDIEU FALLS

French Political Crisis DRAMATIC DEBATE Adverse Vote in Senate By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. Paris, December 4. The Tardieu Cabinet has resigned after being defeated in the Senate by 147 votes to 139, after the Opposition’s interpellation regarding general policy. There was an intensely dramatic debate. The Chamber was crowded, including many fashionably-dressed and elegantly furred women. Senator Hery attacked the Government from every angle. He declared that the Chamber was insufficiently informed upon foreign affairs; the Government had neglected national defence, and its financial policy was a hoax. Speculation was rife, the cost of living was rising, and France was suffering one of the worst economic crises i* had ever experienced. Besides

the Oustrlc case there were other scandals. The country was heading towards bankruptcy. M. Tardieu, in replying, insisted that the policy aimed at ensuring the maximum of strength against pressure from without, and also against the economic crisis, which was a world phenomenon. I ideed, France’s position generally was healthy owing to French thrift and M. Poincare’s handling of the stabilisation problem. The Government was not responsible for scandals. Mr. Snowden had not been attacked over the Hatry affair, which had caused losses five times as large as those in the Oustric scandals, any more than Mr. Mellon had been challenged regarding the Wall Street crash. This is the fourth time in history in which a vote In the Senate has brought down the Government.

LONG AND DIFFICULT Cause of Government’s Fall (Rec. December 5, 11.30 p.m.) ( Paris, December 5. M. Tardleu’s fall was unexpected as it was believed M. Poincare’s support would suffice to gain him a small but sufficient majority against the RadicalSocialist attackers. MM. Poincare and Caillaux voted for the Government, though it is noteworthy that neither intervened in the debate. M. Tardieu’s opponents made considerable play in regard to the losses recently caused small investors, particularly through the Oustric - affair, and denounced the Government’s educational policy. They also hinted that its Republicanism was rather weak. M. Tardieu, in a spirited reply, admitted that a world economic crisis existed, but claimed that by comparison with other couuntries, France was cutting a good figure. Weak points such as the decline in the luxury trades and the tourist traffic were admitted. MM. Brland and Poincare have since intimated their unwillingness to accept the Premiership. M. Deladier, leader of the RadlcalSoeialists, is mentioned as a possible Premier. MM Cheron and Laval are also supported. The crisis threatens •to be long and difficult.