De Gaulle Supreme in French Politics

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 44, 21 February 1945, Page 5

De Gaulle Supreme in French Politics

Changes in the European Scene (Special Correspondent.) Received Tuesday, 8.25 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 20. An almost complete change in the political situation of France during the last five months is reported by the Observer’s Paris correspondent. “In September,” he says, “the atmosphere of Pariß was one of incipient revolution, while in the provinces there were a number of isolated but by no means insignificant attempts by Communists to take over the control of factories ancl villages, and even large towns. The whole country seethed with revolutionary zeal. “To-day the revolution has been postponed indefinitely. Temporarily, at least, conservatism has triumphed. General De Gaulle’s Provisional Government is a coalition government baaed solidly on the support of the moderate Roman Catholic elements on the right and the Communists on the left. Since the conclusion of the FrancoSoviet Treaty it is hardly an exaggeration to say that the Communist Party in France has become the mainstay of De Gaulle and an ardent advocate of moderation. No one has any illusions about this sudden conversion, nor expects it to last any longer than suits the strategy of Moscow and the tactics of the French Communist leaders. But if and when the Communists decide to go into opposition against De Gaulle his position is unlikely to be seriously affected. His supremacy in the French political arena to-day is evidently unchallenged and more unchallenged than ever. “More significant than the conversion of the Communists is the political defeat of the more revolutionary elements in the French Resistance Movement which are no longer a factor in French politics. Its rank and file were composed of young men and women of very ‘advanced’ political and social ideas, but the violent excess committed by some and the preference of the average person to see French production restarted. instead of immediate nationalisation caused it to lose influence. “The peasants have also been a big political factor. Having enriched themselves during the occupation by profiting from the black market prices for food they have become more conserva tive, and in this mood they have tended to turn back towards the old political parties who formerly sponsored and protected their interests, particularly the Radical Party.” The correspondent points out that the term “Conservatism” in French politics is equivalent of “something quite away to tho left of the Tory Reform group in Britain.” The prewar “Right” has disappeared in name from the political picture in Paris. BELGIUM BLAMES BRITAIN From Brussels The Observer’s correspondent states that the political crisis and the change in the Belgian Government coincided with the first public blaming of the Allies, particularly Britain, for the desperate food and raw material position. Mr. Van Aker declared that it would be necessary to make the Allies understand that Belgium cannot endure any longer the economic regime imposed on her for five months. The bottleneck is shipping. Belgium has ships and food in the Congo, but her ships are in the Allied pool and she cannot use them. Imports of food and raw materials have fallen far under Allied promises in the last two months. The reply to this is that the Belgians are not distributing to the best advantage the supplies. This cannot be disputed, but the Belgians say that the black-market cannot be ended until imports increase. The correspondent expresses the opinion that there is no doubt that Mr. Van Aker will tackle the problem vigorously. THE POLISH PROBLEM The Sunday Times’ diplomatic correspondent says that until the return of Messrs Churchill and Eden there is unlikely to be any important development of the Polish question. Until the leaders in London and America have had an opportunity of hearing detailed explanations regarding the Allied plans they are being cautious. The other leaders are disinclined to be so precipitate as Prime Minister Arciszewski. If the explanation is satisfactory it is probable some of the leaders may be prepared to go to Moscow for talks It is expected that Mr. Mikolajezyk (exPrime Minister) will be called in for consultation by Mr. Churchill and Mr Eden. The correspondent states: “There is no doubt but that the Crimea agreement has caused deep concern among the Polish troops, a very high proportion of those in Italy coming from regions east of the Curzon Line. Professor Kot, who was the former Polish Ambassador in Moscow and Minister of Information in the Sikorski and Mikolajczyk Governments, declared: “The Crimea decision on Poland may become the starting point for a new settlement.” He added: “Provided it is honestly and loyally carried out and puts an end to tho policy of accomplished facts.” ENCOURAGING SIGNS IN GREECE The Observer’s Athens correspondent reports signs of the beginning of what must be considered as an encouraging .change in Greece. On all sides can be seen a lessening of the discussions and bitterness produced by the recent civil war and the growth of measured optimism in the country’s future. The improvement has been aided by at least three developments: Firstly Mr Churchill’s visit; secondly, the cant paign of moderation followed by almost all the newspapers; thirdly, a period of unusually mild and sunny weather. ITALY’S GRAVE PLIGHT The Observer stated that Mr. Eden and Judge Rosenmann, who is President Roosevelt’s new adviSer on European affairs, are considering in Italy the country’s grave financial position and what adjustment of the armistice terms may be desirable in the light of firstly, the duration and slow destructive process of the war in Italy secondly, the increasing assistance with the war now given by Italians, especially partisans.