IN FRANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1940, Page 5

IN FRANCE

RECONSTRUCTION OF FRENCH CABINET. . (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;. PARIS, May 18. The French Cabinet lias been reconstructed. M. lteynaud is Prime Minister and Minister of War and of Defence. Marshal Petain 'becomes Vice-Pre-mier. Jfc M. Daladier is Foreign Minister; M. Mandel, Minister of the Interior; M. Rollinn, Minister for Colonies; and M. Rarety, Minister of Commerce. It is officially stated that the changes are due to the necessity of combining political with military leadership in the hands of one; man. Marshal Petain, who is 83, was world renowned for his defence of Verdun in the Great War. He became a General after the Battle of the Marne and became Chief of the French General Staff in April, 1917. He was made a Marshal of France in 1918. He became French Ambassador to General Franco’s Government a short time ago, and he is credited with having brought about good relations between Spain and France. .ffi* DIPLOMATIC ACTION. TO MEET GRAVE SITUATION. PARIS, May 18. The Prime Minister, M. Reynaud, broadcasting, said: “The situation is grave, but it is not hopeless. The Germans south of the River Meuse have enlarged their pocket to the westward. It is a time when France shows her true worth. The sacrifice of our troops are in the thoughts of all the people. France awaits action, not words, from the Government. The victor of Verdun General Petain, thanks to whom the German offensive of 1916 failed, And thanks also to whom the morale of the French Army in 1917 was resurrected for victory, is now at my side. There will he remain till victory is won! M. lteynaud added: “A diplomatic move is shortly to bo undertaken which will give maximum efficiency to France’s foreign representatives. The whole French administration must adapt itself to the war. Mistakes will be punished without delay. Every Frenchman must, to-night, join mo in taking a solemn oath for victory. WORKERS’ DEMAND. PARIS, May 18. The Federation of Metal Workers have sent the following message to their members: ,“We must have mere aeroplanes. You must exert your-, selves to the utmost. Not a minute of labour must be lost.”