FRENCH POLITICS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 January 1929, Page 7

FRENCH POLITICS

M. POINCARE’S CHALLENGE

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn—Copyright.)

LONDON, January 10.

The Times’s Paris correspondent states that, like bearding a lion in his den, M. Poincare rose before an opportunity came to move a motion of no-confidence, and told the Deputies he wanted a decision forthwith. “It is a question of knowing if the Government really exists, and what is still more important, if it will exist tomorrow. We intend to exist and go on existing.”

There was applause from the Right and Centre parties, and a portion of the Left where waverers usually are found. Approval was so vigorous that it could be regarded in the light of a promising show of hands for M. Poincare, who realises he has won previous successes, because divisions are not taken on party lines. He now demands a straight vote, in order to know if he can continue unhampered by continual Socialist threats. M. Poincare again intervened with dramatic effect when the Socialist, Meyer, accused him of allowing reactionaries to attack the Republic, and not moving a finger to protect it. He asked why M. Poincare had not ascended the tribune to denounce the anti-Republicans. M. Poincare jumped up and asked the Deputies if they did not remember how he was foremost in defending Parliament against reactionaries. He mentioned his share in defeating General Boulanger, and saving Dreyfus.

Almost the entire Chamber was stirred by the dramatic allusion to historic incidents, and burst into applause. M. Meyer’s speech faded out.