FRENCH POLITICS

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9721, 3 June 1924, Page 5

FRENCH POLITICS

DEAD SET AGAINST MILLER-

AND

SOCIALISTS WANT PAINLEVE AS PRESIDENT.

1 United Press Association -Copyright. i PARIS, June 1. A dead set against M. Millerand by the Left Parties is considerably aggravating tire political crisis and is likely to render the formation of a Cabinet difficult, a.s several sections oppose collaboration with the President in the slightest degree. The Radical and Radical-Socialist Federation, yesterday demanded M. Millerand’s immediate resignation, while to-day the Radical-Socialist Deputies, whose leader (M. Ilerriott) is prospective Premier, unanimously passed a resolution that the new majority in the Chamber was unable to accord M. ; Mill erand confidence because he had exceeded his constitutional role. Only the intervention ot M. Harriott, who explained that he desired to retain freedom of action if summoned to form a Cabinet, prevented the meeting adopting a proposal forbid-’ ding any member cf the Left to accept tile Premiership from M. Mi.'ierEnd.

_ Meanwhile the Socialist Party in Congress, also the Republican Socialist, and Independent Socialist Deputies, held a meeting presided over by the ex-Premier (M. Painleve). Uncompromising in its attitude, the former instructed its Parliamentary representatives to fight any Government formed under M. Millerand’s aegis. The latter declared that the least collaboration with M. Millerand was inconceivable.

Prior to M. Poincare’s resignation becoming effective, the Council of State ratified decree laws which were forced through the last Parliament in the teeth, of' strong opposition, reducing departmental expenses by four hundred million francs. Af. Millerand subsequently signed the ratifies* tion. Unanimous votes were carried at a plenary _ meeting of the Left Bloc, attended by all sympathetic parties, endorsing a Radical-Socialist motion adopting AI. Painleve as candidate for the Presidency on the proposal of M. Ilerriott, and expressing unconditional confidence in M. Herriott.— A. and N.Z.C.A.

WILL PRESIDENT RESIGN ?

AIILLERAND AIAY PUT UP

FIGHT

DOES NOT RECOGNISE PARTY

DECISION

(Received Jur/e 2. 7.55 p.m.* LOSDON, June 2

The “Morning Post’s” Paris correspondent expects M. Poincare will be elected President of the Chamber on Tuesday and will confer with M. Miilerand on Wednesday, when he will advise M. Millerand to send ror M. Herriot ar.d present his own resignation. M. Harriott can hardly refrain from pressing M. Millerand to resign. By the end of the week M. Millerand will probably send a message to the Senate and the Chamber announcing his resignation. Air. Donohoe. the “Daily Chronicle’s” Paris correspondent says M. Millerand insisted on being a party politician as well as President. He associated himself unmistakably with M. Poincare's policy, but AI. Millerand is unlikely to be vanquished without a fight. He declares he does net hold the Presidency under a capricious ephermeral majority of Deputes but from a national assembly, namely the Senate and Chamber sitting together.

The “Daily Express’ ” Paris correspondent stakes that whatever happens now M. Alillerand is bound to go. Should there he a strike cf Ministers the country would be without a Government for days if not weeks, and the financial structure of the State would be undermined, and patriotic elements would be stirred up paving the way ior a dictatorship. “The Excelsior” declares that AI. Herriot and AI. Alillerand have an understanding under which AI. Alillerand will continue for a brief period in order that the withdaval will not appear as a submission to the demands by the Left. —A. and N.Z.C.A.

GRAVEST CRISIS OF RECENT YEARS.

FEELING AGAINST AIILLERAND PECO All NG FE VERISH.

WHOLE COUNTRY WAITS PRESIDENT'S ANSWER TO CHALLENGE.

(Received June 2. 10 p.m.j LONDON, June 1

The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent says tlie gravest crisis ill recent years lias entered on an acute stage. Both parties forming a majority in the Chamber to-day passed vigorously worded resolutions demanding M. Miilerand's lesignation. The Radical Socialists made definite charges of unconstitutional action against- M. Millernnd, a course which is unprecedented in modern French political history. The Socialists who control 102 votes, also denounced M. Millerand, unanimously refusing to support any Ministry accepting office from the Milleraiul party. The feeling is becoming feverish. The whole country awaits M. Millerand's reply to this direct challenge. M. Mi Herar.d can only be forced out M office for high treason. If he u mains stubborn, the Socialists and Radical Socialists are planning passive resistance, refusing to take office. This is likely, to cause a Ministerial strike compelling M, Millernnd, with the Senate’s support, to dissolve G o newly-elected Chamber and hold another election. M. Millernnd considers it would be a disastrous precedent to allow himself to lie influenced by party decisions. He can only recognise votes in Chamber and Senate. Nevertheless if ostracised by tlie majority, M. Milferand will probablv entrust M. Poincare with a message' to tlie Chamber and in tl'O event of an adverse reception, M. Millernnd will instantly resign.— A. and N.Z.C.A.

HERRIOT TAKES FIRM STAND

(Received June 3. 1 a.m.) PARIS, Juno 3

In a speech M. Herriot declared that if lie did not secure the support he asked for from tlie Socialists lie would Pot consent to resume office. He anticipated that the external difficulties would not be so numerous as suggested. Democratic Europe had confidence in him and the aim of his Government would be European peace. He would take all measures to maintain the equilibrium of bis Budget, even* recourse to the Court, if needed, - to put an end to certain manoeuvres. —S un Ca bl e.