FRENCH DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22149, 1 July 1935, Page 9

FRENCH DEFENCE

£15,000,000 WANTED PROCEDURE BY DECREE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT MOBILISATION FOR WAR By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received June 30, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS. June 29 The Prime Minister, M. Laval, announced to-day that he intends to withdraw the bill providing £15,000,000 for national defence. It was explained by M. Laval that there was not sufficient time to pass the measure by the ordinary procedure in view of the fact that the Chamber of Deputies would adjourn for the summer recess this evening. The question of defence credits would be dealt with by decree. Another measure of these clauses was tabled in the Chamber yesterday. It provided for the mobilisation of the entire nation in time of war. Tho first clause legalised the utilisation of the national resources and enabled the State to take over private property. The second provided that all male citizens over the ago of 18 years might be called upon to give their service without right to any compensation bej'ond their pay. The third clause laid down the principle that tho Government should direct a war while the commanders directed the operations.