Striking Takes Ugly Turn

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1936, Page 7

Striking Takes Ugly Turn

Latest Situation In

France

[“The Times” CableJ (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, June 11. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says the i elation caused in * Government and Labour circles by the settlement in principle of the strikes is evaporating. There is even renewed alarm in some quarters, not only because the strikers refuse to resume work, in spite of the generous terms offered to them, but because the strikes, •hitherto models of discipline and good humour, are taking an uglier turn.

Tlie Minister of Defence, M. Daladiery today announced the arrests of numbers of armed agents provocateur. Strikers are organising street demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere. A procession today obstructed the traffic in the capital. There is a danger of these demonstrations becoming unmanageable, especially as the Prime Minister, M. Blum, said he would not use force against the strikers. This is regarded as a blunder, 'even by friendly critics. Also there is a possibility of counter demonstrations by . members of the Grpix de Feu (Fiery Cross), and less peaceful bodies. Forty-Hour Week. ' According to the Paris, correspondent of the “Daily Mail,” M. Reynaud, formerly Minister ;of Finance, M. Rbllin, formerly Minister of Commerce, and other critics are strongly opposed to- the 40-hour Week Bill, During a discussion of the measure by a Parlamentary commission, M. Joubert,. a Radical-Socialist, . reserved his opinion, which is regarded as significant, for the Radical-Socialists were expected to support the Bill. The Prime Minister, M. Blum, defended the measure. He * contended that a 40-hour week would accelerate the currency rhythm, and promised vigorously to support the weaker industries.