FRENCH CRISIS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 April 1925, Page 5

FRENCH CRISIS

FATE OF GOVERNMENT.

IN THE BALANCE.

COMPLEX SITUATION,

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. PAMS, April 10. , The indications are that M. Herriot’s Government is in a most critical position. , ... . it' appears the significance or the Senate's* vote of censuie lay m tne fact that owing to a misunderstanding in 'recording u vote the Government was actually in a minority of one. M. Herriot, however, afterwards informed a deputation from the Radical idociab ists that the (Government was only t obliged to take notice of the results officially announced, and was. entitled to ignore subsequent rectification. The deputation affirmed the party’s solidarity and urged M. Herriot to remain at his post. . •it is understood that M. Herriot replied that he would only resign if defeated on a major issue. There is, liowevdr, a general feeling that the Government’s days are numbered. Even if M. Herriot’s measures pass the Chamber by a small majority their defeat is certain. ■ The political situation, in spite of tKb- so-called vote of confidence, continues to be complex. M. Herriot, in 1 lie Chamber, emphasised that the ■ adverse financial position was the legacy from previous governments. He said that lie was sure he interpreted the opinion of the country when he stated .at the time had come to make sacrifice. Hete he met with Opposition cries of “Yes, without you.” Continuing, M. Herriot declared that instead of flattering his country he was serving it. Replying to a Communist deputy he said it was true that seventeen milliards of capital had been exported from France during the past week, and he stigmatised the people responsible for this move as financial deserters. There were several angry interruptions during the speech, but it had a tremendously enthusiastic reception from his supporters. The resolution was so framed as to ensure a Government majority, and merely expressed the opinion that the Government was opposed to inflation and would pursue the same financial polic'y. It is difficult to appraise the feeling of the Chamber, owing to the number of nbstensions. [ The, strained political, situation is reflected in the comments of the newspapers. The Opposition organs are not satisfied with the suggestion that the Government may drop the capital levy proposal and vigorously demand that a solution must be found for the financial deadlock. . According to the Echo de Paris M. Rriand is surrounded by a crowd of flatterers.* urging thim to make a bid for office. M. Herriot’s decision to fight is due to the insistence of the Socialist leaders. It is expected M. Herriot wall demand an all-night sitting pn Friday in order to obtain a

decisive vote. . It is now decided that the Chamber will debate and vote on the Government’s financial proposals to-day. Thus ■ the' Government will know whether the Left bloc is holding together. After adopting motions reducing fcertnin items in the public instruction estimates, the Senate by 142 votes to 140 passed a resolution in favour of restoring the appropriation for scholar--diios, which the commission of finance had decreased. M. Herriot previously complained of the commission’s hostility mid made the vote a question of confidence. ' , Cabinet met later. It is expected the Government will resign to-night. Contrary to general anticipation, Cabinet after conferring for 3J hours has not announced its resignation for consideration.