FRENCH ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 289, 5 September 1945, Page 7

FRENCH ELECTIONS

General de Gaulle And Unions (Received September 4, 9.45 p.m.) LONDON. September 4. The Secretary-General of the General Confederation of French Labour has called a meeting today ot representatives ot French Left-wing political parties to consider General de Gaulle’s refusal to discuss with the confederation the Lett wing’s dissatisfaction with the' arrangements for the coming general election, A correspondent says that General de Gaulle has replied expressing surprise that the confederation should meddle in politics and stating that its activities should be limited to defending the workers' economic interests. General de Gaulle refused to receive a Left-wing delegation headed by M. Leon Jouhaix, secretary-general of the French Trades Union Congress, which wanted to discuss the method of voting at the coming general elections, which the unions claim is markedly in favour of right-wing parties at the expense of the Left, specially in populated areas where Left-wing opinion is strong. General de Gaulle, replying, said: “While I am alwavs glad to discuss trade union and labour matters with the confederation, J cannot do so regarding political elections.” The election campaign in Franco .is reported to bo well under way, with General de Gaulle intending to take a very active part.

ANGLO-FRENCH TALKS Question Of Possible Treaty (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) LONDON. September Anglo-French relations will be discussed in Loudon when M. Biduult arrives here in a few days before the Foreign Ministers’ Conference, which begins on .September IQ. The British Government is anxious to mend relationships between the two countries. ' ' The French Socialist and Radical Parties have called tor closer AngloFrench relations and it ij. stated that iminv Frenchmen, including sueb eminent figures as M. Herrmt, feel that, important as are friendly relations with Russia and America, there is far greater identity of outlook and interests between France and Great Britain and that an early conclusion of a 1 ranco-Britis li treaty is a matter of urgency tor both countries. . . . , It i s noted in London, however, that while General de Gaulle makes trips to Moscow aud Washington, lie nrinnot be induced to come to London, lhe Economist" says that closer Anglo-French relations will not be easy so long as General de Gaulle remains at the beau of French affairs. Reports indicate that the political results of General de Gaulles visit to Washington have deeply disappointed his supporters, notwithstanding the welcome economic aid promised by the Lulled .States. ... Requests Io America. . n It is commented by the "Observers diplomatic correspondent.that the luiliire of General de Gaulle’s bid tor American support in political and diplomatic ma<ters, following the obvious bankruptcy of hi s earlier policy toward Kussm,, again the delicate question of the I’tench attitude toward Britain. General de Gaulle hoped for polit.ca' concessions from America which would help to restore France to her former positron among the great Powers These included a larger zone ot occupation allotted to Frar.ee and great i consideration of French claims for reparations from German.'', an assurance 11. t. France would be treated as a. lull eqin.il by America, Britain and Russia in Hui councils. American -support , ~1 „ French demand that the Ruhr should m placed under the permanent control or. the United Nations, and recognition ’■ French control over Inilo-Cbiiia. The Unit“<l States Government made it clear that, they lire willing, I nnxioufs to help generously in the «l of the national rehabilitation <?f I'ran-e. but unwilling to ,go W r .v far. to me-? General de Gaulles pMi.ieiil 0 President I minim eoesideied tin. I - dam decisions sacrosanct and and it was pointed out., on ' h ’' ' lf ' ’’ l ( " 1 for the interniitionaliziit'oii ot the 111 in, that Britain, in particular, would m=havc to be consulted.