CHAOS IN FRANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22714, 28 April 1937, Page 11

CHAOS IN FRANCE

M. BLUM'S DIFFICULTIES LABOUR TROUBLES LOOMING (Received April 28, 12,30 a.m.) LONDON, April 27 Tbe Australian Associated Tress understands that a meeting has been arranged in Paris between the Australian Prime Minister, Mr. .J. A. Lyons, and the French Prime Minister, M. Blum, for Thursday. Special interest attaches to the interview because M. Blum faces financial, industrial and Parliamentary crises this week which might at any moment lead to serious disturbances. As a prelude national demonstrations are occurring throughout France. The. people are demanding an acceleration of the Government's public works programme, an energetic attack on the high cost of living, the early introduction of a sliding scale of wages, and pensions for old workers. However, neither public works nor private building are possible as long as the price of money remains high, while, even if financial resources were available M. Blum cannot, yield to the trades unions without throwing overboard his promised "pause." The Paris correspondent of the Times says capital and labour in France are growing steadily worse. Envisaging the possibility of widespread labour conflicts, the Bourse yesterday had one of its blackest days. M. Blum proposes further to assure Parliament that ho does not intend either to make a fresh appeal to investors or to indulge in fresh expenditure, thereby confirming his determination to continue the "pause." The Times says M. Blum will have to take a firm stand against Ins own extremists to avert grave trouble and prevent malcontents wrecking the Popular Front.