The Northern Advocate Daily MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1936. TURMOIL IN FRANCE

Northern Advocate, 8 June 1936, Page 4

The Northern Advocate Daily

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 1936. TURMOIL IN FRANCE

Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper.

France is presenting to the world an extraordinary, and, at the same time, a dangerous spectacle. The nation has elected a Government which is Socialistic, almost Communistic, in character. This Government might have been expected to legislate for the benefit of the workers, but the workers, instead of giving the Government time to act, have thrown the country into turmoil by declaiming what is not far removed from a general strike. Not only has this action dislocated trade and industry, but it has embar-

rasaecl the Government unnecessarily. The Prime Minister, M. Blum, has announced the Government’s intention to grant the main demands of the strikers. He intends to introduce a bill providing for a 40-ho‘ur week, payment for holidays and collective contracts. This announcement is probably the reason why strikers are resuming work in a number of instances, but it is clear that a large section of France is still badlv infected. In many cases

strikers have taken possession ot; the factories in which they were; engaged, and it is rather signifi- j cant that the Government does; not intend to use force to eject! them. M. Blum excuses his Gov-j eminent by pointing out that the | previous Government did not use; force when its authority was; flouted. This is a lame excuse, j but the Government is probably■ wise in not taking action which 1 might increase its difficulties at; a time when it is not securely set j upon its feet. There is evidence | that more than one influence is working to hamper the Government. The Prime Minister is being violently attacked because he is a Jew, and attempts are being-

made to stir racial and religious animosities. To the outsider, it seems to be regrettable that the Government should be hampered by the workers of France. The

Government has announced a policy with the description of which New Zealanders have become familiar during _ recent months. It intends to aim, the Prime Minister says, at the recovery of general economic activity and the reabsorption of the unemployed to increase consumable revenue and furnish the wellbeing and security of all who create, by their work, true wealth. The Government announces that it will rule in the spirit of Republicanism and that Fascists will have no place in the public service. This should-surely satisfy the workers of France. But the Government goes further. It

pledges itself to do everything possible to halt the European Rearmament race and to assist in the development of collective security and the promotion of international accord. These are aims which deserve the whole-hearted support of the French nation. The outbreak of an industrial revolution has been regarded as constituting an opportunity for Germany to take aggressive action against France, but it is reassuring ’to hear that German public opinion favours the establishment of accord between the two nations conditionally upon the recognition of German equality. In all the circumstances it is devoutly to be hoped that France will speedily return to normal conditions, for a united France is of vital importance to European stability at" the present time. The chaotic state; of the country is demoralising the franc, and the foundations of gold 'as a basis of international finance are being badly shaken. That presents a danger which must be removed with the least possible delay. . ...