7 Communists In New French Cabinet

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1946, Page 7

7 Communists In New French Cabinet

LONDON, June 24. After five days' negotiations the Communists and the French Chief of the Government, M. Georges Bidault (M.R.F.L agreed on terms for the entry of the Communists into a new Coalition Government. A new Cabinet has been formed, with M. Bidault at its head. He retains the portfolio of Foreign Minister.

As in M. Gouin’s Cabinet, which it replaces, there is equal representation of Communists, Socialists and MR.P The other members of the Cabinet are as follows:—

Vice-Presidents. M. Felix Gouin (Socialist). M. Maurice Thorez (Communist).

Minister of Finance: M. Schuman (M.R.F.); Justice: M. Henri Teitger (M.R.P.); The Interior: M. Defreux (Socialist). State: M. Francisque Gay (M.R.P.), M. Alexandre Varenne (Socialist Resistance Union): Population: M. Robert Prigent (M.R.P.); Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones: M. Jean Letourneau (M.R.P.).

Armed Forces: M. Edmond Michelet; National Economy: M. Francois Demenjdiou (M.R.P.); Agriculture: M. .Tan-guy-Prigent (Socialist); Education: M. Edmond Naegelen (Socialist); Public Works and Transport: M. Jules Much (Socialist): Colonies: M. Marius Moutet (Socialist); Armaments: M. Charles Tillon (Communist); M. Ambroise Croizat (Communist); Health: M. Rene Arthaud (Communist); Ex-Service-men's Affairs: M. Laurent Casanova (Communist); Reconstruction: M. Francois Billoux (Communist); Industrial Production: M. Marcel Paul (Communist). M. Bidault will also control the Ministry of Information, assisted by M. Andre Colon (M.R.P.), as Secretary of Stale. The Minister of Food is not yet appointed. WAGES COMPROMISE M. Bidault and the Communists compromised on wage increases which have been the stumbling block in the negotiations. The Communists agreed not tc. press for the full 25 per cent increase demanded by the trade unions, but to accept a 15 per cent increase.

M. Bidault, in a letter to M. Thorez, Parliamentary leader of the Communists, said the Government’s first task would be the calling of an economic conference to examine the whole wage question and prevent a rise in prices. The Socialists won the point that the life of the present National Constituent Assembly should not extend beyond October 15. when there would be a general election and a referendum on the draft Constitution.