FRENCH OBSERVANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 12 November 1934, Page 7

FRENCH OBSERVANCE

OF ARMISTICE DAY

A PATHETIC INCIDENT.

OLD OFFICER PRESENT.

(United Press Association—By Electri# Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received November 12. 12.35 a.m.

LONDON, Nov. 11

The Armistice Day observance by memorial services and peace demonstrations was held in many countries with fitting devotion. M. Le Brun reviewed the garrison in Paris. Tension prevailed, but the police Gardes Mobile prevented clashes, keeping parties of different political complexions widely apart. The crowd greeted the homewardbound Ministerial cars with cheers for M. Doumergue and jeers for M. Her riot, members of the Action Francaise bearing death masks.

King Alexander joined the Jeuness6 Patriote in a huge demonstration. Colonel Couthard, aged 75, an officer of the Legion of Honour and the holder of the Croix De Guerre, tearfully witnessed the Armistice ceremonies for the first time in his life, being disgraced in 1917 for desertion at Verdun in the face of the enemy. The Appeal Court last night restored him his rank and honours.

The only hostile witness among tli6 many favourable was the tottering General Leboco, who passed the original sentence. He still questioned Colonel Couthard’s character and courage. The Court obviously disbelieved him. Colonel Couthard left his post to report to headquarters the results of a ghastly gas liquid flame attack. lie was cashiered and imprisoned for five years. Crowds gathered in the evening and cheered M. Doumergue, who appeared on the balcony of his flat.

Twelve Communists were arrested for interrupting ceremonies at Narbonne. Scuffles were suppressed at Lille.