FRANCE'S DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 15

FRANCE'S DEFENCE

GREATER EXPENDITURE PRIME MINISTER'S APPEAL UNITY IN FACE OF DANGER By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Heceived March 18, 7 p.m.) ' PARIS, March 17 The Ministerial Council has authorised an additional defence expenditure of £35,700,000. In the Chamber of Deputies the Prime Minister, M. Blum, appealed for the creation of a National Government. He said he was ready to stand down in favour of a ;new Prime Minister, if his action would help its formation. M. Blum emphasised the need for increasing France's military strength, and expressed the nation's willingness to strengthen her alliances and friendships. Safeguarding of Interests "I will never admit that the safeguarding of France's interests and frontiers is incompatible with the fulfilment of our international commitments," he said. "I took over the Government the day following the international event which convulsed all Europe and may causo shattering and fearful developments." France, the Prime Minister said, must before all guard against the perils of the external situation, and intended to increase her armaments without delay. "We ardently hope our voice will find the isame echo everywhere. During France's long history she has always known how to rise to meet her difficulties and dangers, and she will again give the spectacle of a strong and courageous nation equal to her history and destiny." The debate was confined to speeches by M. Blum, M. Flandin, M. Beynaud and the Minister of Defence, M. Dalauier, and a few others. Tho moderates persisted in their refusal to participate in an all-party Government in spite of M. Blum's appeals for a national union. "War Would Bring Unity" A climax was reached by a declaration by M. Blum: "If we were at war we could achieve unity without difficulty." The sole response was M. Flandin's concession that the Opposition might relent if the Communists renounced their demand for intervention in.Spain. M. Iteynaud denied that they sought intervention and said help to Spain should be confined to supplies. He urged tho Chamber to give M. Blum a unanimous vote, which, of course, would comijel him to resign in order to form a national Government. M. Daladier made an appeal on behalf of M. Blum. The Chamber expressed its confidence in him by 369 votes to 196.