FASCISM FOR FRANCE?

Southland Times, Issue 23678, 29 November 1938, Page 7

FASCISM FOR FRANCE?

DALADIER UNDER SUSPICION

Increasing Use Of Military

WORKERS PREPARE TO “FIGHT TO FINISH”

BACKGROUND OF GENERAL STRIKE

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received Nov. 28, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, November 28..

There is a widespread conviction that the Prime Minister (M. Edouard Daladier), deliberately or not, is pushing France along the road to fascism, says a message from Paris. His repeated accusations against “foreign organizations” are interpreted as heralds of anti-democratic campaigns, and the increasing use of the military appears as a foretaste of what might follow if the workers continue to resist the economic decrees.

“The strikes, and sudden occupation of factories represent an attempt to impede by brute force the policy of peace which the Government is pursuing,” said M. Daladier in a broadcast. “Certain heads of international organizations have warned us that they are about to begin a mass attack against the Government. They are trying to force us to capitulate to threats, but the Government is resolved to accomplish its duty to the nation. “I appeal to all Frenchmen to reflect on the consequences which a period of disorder might have on the country’s destinies.” The Government and the Trades Union Confederation are engaging in a fight to a finish on the battleground of a general strike. The Ministry expects to maintain the public services in spite of defiance.

M. Henri Raynaud, communist secretary of the Paris Federation, said that if a 24-hour strike did not suffice it would be prolonged. EXTENSIVE STRIKE The strike entails the closing of factories, mines, offices, banks, stores, cinemas, theatres and large provision shops, the stoppage of newspapers, radio, railway, road and water transport, port activities, work in hotels, cafes and restaurants, trunk international but not local telephone services, and the closing of post offices and schools, but it does not affect chemists and the distribution of food, gas, electricity and water. M. Pierre Semard, secretary-general of the Railwaymen’s Union, promises the observance of discipline among the men who are remaining on the lines as a guarantee of security. M. Daladier in his broadcast declared that neither dictatorship nor fascism was intended. The leader of the Socialist Party (M. Leon Blum) urges the Government to stop in time and emphasizes the many perils surrounding France. He says that anybody bringing the country’s masses against the Government is guilty of high treason. POLITICAL DYNAMITE The Trades Union Confederation and the Socialists are fully aware that they are handling political dynamite, as is indicated by their insisting there is no political motive, and demanding the utmost discipline, though protest meetings and demonstrations held throughout France during the week-end sometimes clashed with the police. The Metal Workers’ Union has ordered 25,000 members to remain idle. The Farman aeroplane factory locked out 3400 workers for refusing to work overtime. It is reported that the miners at Valenciennes have obeyed union instructions to return to work. Eight thousand striking Polish coal miners resumed work affer M. Daladier’s threat of expulsion from the country. The police allege that many of those arrested when the strikers were driven out of the Renault works were members of the International Brigade recently brought from Spain, and they declare that the Anzin strikes Were led by members of the International Brigade. Four of the Renault strikers who chose a summary trial were fined 25 francs each and sent to gaol for 10 days on a charge of rebellion. The trial of 2282 others will be held later.