CHURCH & STATE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 29 September 1924, Page 5

CHURCH & STATE

RELIGIOUS STRIFE

THREATENED IN FRANCE

BY CABLE -PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

(Received Sept. 29, 11 a.m.) PARIS, Sept. 28. A revival of religious strife in France is threatened as a result of the French Cardinal’s letter to M. Herriot, begging him not to execute the decision to suppress the 1 French Embassy at the Vatican, of to strictly enforce the existing laws regarding religious congregations, and urging the maintenance of the happy rapprochement between the Church and the State which the war effected. While the clerical newspaper Le Gaulois considers that the letter will profoundly impress the consciences of all not blinded to stupid sectarianism, the newspaper Quotidien regards the letter as a demonstration of hostility against the Government and provocation to civil war. - It urges M. Herriot to accept the challenge to the Republic. The newspaper Oeuvre says the “priestly unctuousness” of the letter scarcely conceals its threat.

HERRIQT’S RETORT. (Received Sept. 29. 11.25 a.m.) , - PARIS, Sept. 28. Replying to the Cardinal’s letter, M. Herriot does not admit that the peace of the country is threatened by the measures recently taken. He declares the Government will not interfere with freedom of worship, but .it cannot permit French interests to be defended by any authority except that of the nation.: —Renter.