YET ANOTHER FRENCH CABINET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21110, 18 February 1932, Page 8

YET ANOTHER FRENCH CABINET.

Although 3VI. Laval's defeat and resignation are partly attributed to the Senate's dislike of his proposal to give women the vote, it is likely that a general objection to his policy measures has brought about the downfall of his Government. WhenM. Laval returned from his visit to the United States it was recognised, on both sides of the Atlantic, that his Government was not in a position sufficiently secure to justify the announcement of a specific programme. That visit was regarded as a success, and in France acknowledgment was made of the firm way in which he had presented to Washington the French case for national security and adequate receipt of German reparations. However, his troubles were begun anew as soon as he returned. Vexing problems and political skirmishes were his portion. His Budget was presenting difficulties, and it had to be handled speedily in view of the elections in May. Unemployment was demanding serious attention, 300,000 being out of work. The Government's "national equipment plan,'' the first half of which had been given effect without much success, was extended ; agricultural projects, erection of schoolhouses and hospitals, and a scheme for the electrification of rural districts by hydraulic development were included in this, and an effort was made to apply the plan speedily. The need was clear, for the industrial and commercial life of France continued to weaken. Then came the pressure of adverse foreign conditions, the proof that Germany's declared inability to resume reparation payments was in accordance with facts and the tariff proposals of the British Government; These conditions added greatly to M. Laval's perplexities. A growing import surplus, associated with a decrease in exports of foodstuffs, had already reacted prejudicially to his Government : now it seemed certain that exports in textiles, in the miscellaneous goods known as "articles de Paris," and in luxury lines generally would shrink still further. Confidence in . the Government was shaken. The impending political crisis has como. M. Tardieu's hurried return from Geneva is explained by his responsibility for the "national equipment plan." Tt remains to be seen whether, by a Government with. M.. Barthou at its head, this plan can be made effective.