FRENCH REPUBLIC

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1040, 12 June 1924, Page 5

FRENCH REPUBLIC

ELECTING A PRESIDENT. MEMBERS TO MEET TO-MORROW. (Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) PARIS, June 11. The National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and Chamber, will jointly assemble at Versailles on Friday to elect a new President in place of M. Millerand, who has resigned. The choice is regarded as being between M. Painleve and M. Doumergue. It is expected that the Senate and Chamber, after receiving President Millerand's resignation to-day, will adjourn till after the Assembly meeting. Members of the Left will meet on Thursday to discuss the candidature.—A. and N.Z. cable.

GOVERNMENT DECLARATION.

PARIS, June 10. The new Marsal Government has issued a declaration that it was only formed to enable Parliament to pronounce itself constitutionally, and therefore it submits no programme, and asks Parliament to decide whether the constitutional laws shall remain intangible, above party politics, or whether it disapproves of the principles laid down in the President's message, which is based on the constitution. The Government appeals for the application of conscience and reason by Parliament to the proceedings which should be held on clear issues, as its vote concerns the future regime and respect for the legality and guarantee of Republican institutions and the safeguards of public liberties. The Chamber, after an animated debate, in which the Communists stood and sang the "International." voted by 329 to 214 in favour of the Left Parties' resolutions, thus sealing President Millerand's doom. Members of the Left took practically no part in the debate in the Chamber, according to a concerted plan. They determined to treat the Government as non-existent, ignoring the provocative phrases used by Communist speakers to draw them. When the result of the Senate vote was announced, the Left groups broke out into thundering cheers. . The communique announcing President Millerand's resignation says the Premier and Cabinet called at the Elysee and informed the President of events in the Chamber and Senate. President Millerand thanked the Cabinet for the assistance given him in defence of the constitution. When the Cabinet tendered its resignation. President Millerand replied that he had made up his own mind to resign the Presidency and asked Cabinet to continue its functions for the time being.—A. and N.Z. cable.