THE NEED OF FRANCE

Evening Star, Issue 21641, 9 February 1934, Page 11

THE NEED OF FRANCE

A GALL TO PATRIOTISM M. DOUMERQUE’S TASK Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, February 8. (Received February 9, at 2 p.m.) When a representative of ‘ L’lntrausigeant ’ exclaimed to M. Doumergue, ■“ You are awaited as a saviour,” the Premier-designate quietly asked him not to exaggerate, adding: “I have never performed miracles. I distrust them, but I shall do my best.” ‘ LTntransigeant,’ commenting on M. Doumergue’s task, declares that France has had enough of politicians, who have entirely failed. The paper suggests the grouping of the army, the navy, and the air force for national defence under a Ministry headed by Marshal Petaiu, who previously galvanised the army into activity. “ We want men,” it says, “ who will not continue the humiliating policy of placing France in tow of other countries, but will straightforwardly face Herr Hitler, Mr Ramsay MacDonald, and others. The Ministry of the Interior must uncompromisingly strike directly at the magistrates and the police. We do not want a dictatorship, but honest Secretaries of State. We want six patriots who will do their utmost, and if‘Parliament fails after that a dissolution will be necessary.” QUIET IN THE STREETS PARIS, February 8. (Received February 9, at 2.15 p.m.) M. Doumergue allows nothing to disturb bis equanimity. When he had concluded his consultations with leading politicians at 8.30 p.m. he said: “I am going to bed. I will continue Cabinetmaking to-morrow.” M. Caillaux was tho first person with whom M. Doumergue had a conference on the subject of finance, M. Caillaux being regarded as a financial wizard. Later, M. Doumergue addressed a deputation of war veterans. He emphasised the urgency of passing the Budget, and added that until it was adopted the Government could not consider the other urgent reforms necessary. Meanwhile tho streets are quiet. There have been only a few negligible encounters between the police and tho Communists.