ELECTIONS IN FRANCE, ITALY. AND BELGIUM.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 271, 18 November 1919, Page 8

ELECTIONS IN FRANCE, ITALY. AND BELGIUM.

VIGOROUS SOCIALIST EFFORTS

£Pbess Association.]

Australian and W.Z. Cable Association PARIS, Nov. 17. Tv the general elections in France, Italy, and Belgium exceptionally vigorous efforts.'are being made by the Socialists.' This feature is common to the three countries. The contests in France resolved themselves into a fierce fight between the Republicans and the Extreme ;, Socialists. The latter have declared political war on tho bourgeoise and, -disown the Versailea Treaty. They also repudiate alliances with other Parliamentary groups. These latter have sunk old feuds in order to pre--.seri a solid front to fight, what is regarded as a Bolshevist menace. Altogether there are three thousand candidates, including many poilus and nine generals. The Italian campaign is exce#tion- . ally bitter, and is often\.aceompamed by fighting and bloodshed, particularly in the north, owing to; the . Socialists' violence. . It is likely that tho Belgian Socialists will increase i'rom 38 to 50. The leieoiions are the first 'held under universal suffrage. It is probable that the present Coalition Ministry ' will be retained.