FRENCH COMMUNISTS

Grey River Argus, 19 November 1946, Page 5

FRENCH COMMUNISTS

LEADER’S POLICY STATEMENT

AGAINST GERMAN ECONOMIC ASCENDANCY

ißec. 7.30). LONDON, Nov. 18. M. Thorez, who is the leader >f the largest Communist Party outside of the Soviet Union, that in France, outlined to The Times Paris correspondent his Party’s estimate of its own strength and its international outlook. M. Thorez declared: The French Communist Party was organised, directed, and armed to fight against German invaders and Vichyites. It is common knowledge that in response ter Communists’ appeals, French miners in 1946 doubled the coal output, so that it is now fifteen per cent, higher than before the war. Turning to foreign affairs, M. Thorez said: Communists reject the idea that Germany should be given a dominant economic position in Europe. The Communists ask that the Ruhr should be internationalised, and that the Saar should be brought into the French economic system M. Thorez said: “Communists consider that agreement between France, Britain, the United States, and Russian allies is necessary and indispensable. We reject any policy leading to the formation of a bloc, or an exclusive orientation towards any of France’s, allies. Communists want British and French ties of friendship and alliance drawn tighter”. LONDON, Nov. 17.

German sources claim that the British delegates to the Four Power Conference to discuss the reform and stabilisation of German currency left behind a secret file containing their plans. One involved the calling in of all issue of marks and the issuing of new currency at a devalued rate. The second and alternative plan broadly followed the first, but provided for only British and American currency.

German sources declined to reveal the proposed value of the new mark because it was thought that the information might cause “dismay” and encourage the extension of the black market.