FRANCE’S WEAKNESS

Evening Star, Issue 21505, 1 September 1933, Page 7

FRANCE’S WEAKNESS

TOO MANY RULERS FASCIST POLICY SUGGESTED. LONDON, August 20. “ Will France go FascistP” asks Mr Sisley Huddleston, author and journalist, in the ‘ Daily Mail.’ He says that a few years ago nobody would have predicted that Fascism would spread in France, but followiug Mussolini’s extraordinary triumph there are numerous signs of conversion. France’s present weakness, Mr Huddleston says, is that she has too many rulers, none of whom really governs. There are the President, Prime Minister, Government, Parliament, and numerous commissions and extra-Par-liamentary Congresses, mostly checking initiative and causing amazing political instability. Therefore it is not remarkable, when Italy, Germany, and America have been converted to the necessity for prompt decisions, drastic action, and centralised control, that France is turning toward Fascist doctrines, although most politicians are still afraid of the term “ Fascism.”

The Prime Minister (M. Daladier), faced with a financial situation requiring bold handling, contemplates taking special powers; while the moderates, including M. Tardieu, plead for reform of the Constitution, increasing the Government’s responsibility. Even more startling is the fact that many Socialists are demanding the overhauling of Marxism with a view of inclusion of French characteristics, thereby theoretically approximating National Socialism. Whether the French neo-Fascists continue depends upon the production of an undisputed leader of ability and courage; but, as France lias never yet wanted for the “ providential man,” he doubtless will duly appear, especially if a crisis arises.;