“TO SAVE ALL”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24255, 25 March 1940, Page 7

“TO SAVE ALL”

CALL TO FRANCE POWER OF ENEMY PARIS DECLARATION NEW CABINET TO REMAIN (United Press Association) (By Electric Teleainph" Copyright) \ PARIS. Mar. 23. (Received Mar. 24, at 9.30 pin.) It was announced in a communique that all the French Ministers had assured M. Reynaud of their loyal collaboration. Therefore, M. Reynaud has decided that in the present grave situation it was the Cabinet's, duly to remain at its post. This announcement followed the political uncertainty created by the voting in the Chamber of Deputies last night. “To arouse, muster and direct France’s strength, to fight to win and crush treason from wherever ,it comes” was the keynote of the new Government’s policy expounded in a Ministerial declaration read earlier in the House of Deputies and the Senate. “France is engaged in total warfare with a powerful, organised and. determined enemy; transforming all human activities into means of warfare.. This, enemy, helped by the Soviet’s treachery, is carrying the struggle to every sphere, co-ordinat-ing all his blows with a kind of genius for destruction, whose grandiose and hateful aspects we cannot fail to recognise. • Everything at Stake “ Becausq of the nature of this total warfare everything is at stake. To win is tb save all—to' succumb is to lose all. With your support we shall accoifiplish the task. If any further stimulant is needed we have only to measure the resources of the country and the empire and look at our admirable Ally.” M; Reynaud was applauded when he sat down in the House of Deputies, but the Centre Left did not conceal its - impatience. The Rightists remained cold and unmoved. M. Louis Maxim, leader of the principal Conservative group, controlling 60 votes, and M. Flandin, leader of the Rightist Republican alliance, announced • that their groups would oppose M., Reynaud because the Government did not represent “national adhesion.” Government Criticised M. Calimand (Radical Socialist) said: “France has been waiting for a War Cabinet, but she has been offered a dose of medicine instead. M. Daladier fell because of the revenge of the Socialists whose errors he corrected.” Other members of M. Daladier’s group attacked M. Reynaud for the vagueness ,in his statement and the unwieldiness of his Cabinet, M. Reynaud, replying, said: “ The rhythm of our people is too slow. We must reveal France to herself; The Government will fill the role of animator if the chamber permits. The nation’s security formerly depended on the army; it now depends on the entire people. We will not repeat the last war’s mistakes. M. Daladier has proved his. ability to be economical in human lives. Fight Against Communism “Our sole principle of foreign policy,” M. Reynaud said, “is to give friendship for friendship and enmity for enmity. We want the workers to understand that we are fighting Communism, not because of its extreme Leftist doctrine, but because we' are fighting treason. Liberty represents France’s most precious heritage “We in Britain’s camp of freedom,” M. Reynaud added, “ desire other nations to adhere to the Franco-British Bloc which does not obliterate cur sense of Latin solidarity. Our foreign policy tends to create a new Europe of free peoples. We want to make war with the least delay and obtain the only possible lasting peace.” After a brief respite France was again plunged into political uncertainty last night. as a ■ result of the Deputies’ vote of 268 to 156 in favour of M. Reynaud’s Government. Although there was , a majorityof 112 after an acrimonious debate on the confidence motion, there were 111 abstentions. As a result M. Reynaud immediately called a meeting of the Cabinet to decide whether to continue in office. The Chamber of Deputies adjourned, and M. Reynaud later decided to remain in office. " Rumblings of Discontent After the first flush of enthusiasm rumblings of discontent could be discerned when the Chamber of Deputies met in excited mood. The Rightists were furious over the inclusion of Socialists in the Cabinet. While there is nothing but praise for the speed with which M. Reynaud completed his : Cabinet, the press gives the Government a somewhat reserved, reception. It was pointed out earlier that judgment should be suspended until Cabinet faced Parliament.

A CHALLENGE GERMAN VIEW OF CABINET BERLIN, Mar. 22. A wireless commentator said: “The French Cabinet is a challenge to Germany. It is a Cabinet of warmongers and is Still further under British ihfiuence. It is significant that a representative of Jewish capital, M. Mandel, is included.”