FRENCH CABINET RESIGHS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 December 1930, Page 7

FRENCH CABINET RESIGHS

DEFEAT IN THE SENATE DRAMATIC FINAL DEBATE GENERAL POLICY ATTACKED FOURTH TIME IN HISTORY By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Paris, Dec. 4. The Tardieu Cabinet has resigned after a defeat in the Senate by 147 votes to 139, following the Opposition’s interpolations regarding general policy. There was an intensely dramatic debate in a crowded chamber, including many fashionably dressed, elegantlyfurred women.

Senator Hery attacked the Government from every angle, declaring that the Chamber was insufficiently informed on .foreign affairs, th© Government neglected national defence, its financial policy was a hoax, speculation was rife, the cost of living was rising, France was suffering from one of the worst economic crisis it had ever experienced. Besides the Oustric and other scandals, the country was heading for- bankruptcy. M. Tardieu, replying, insisted that his policy aimed at ensuring the maximum strength against pressure from within and without, also against the economic crisis, which was a world phenomenon. Indeed, France’s position was generally healthy, owing to French thrift and M. Poincare’s handling of the stabilisation problem. The Government was not responsible for the scandals. Mr. Snowden had not been attacked over the Hatry affair, which caused losses fivefold those of the Oustric scandal, any more than Mr. Mellon had 'been challenged regarding the Wall Street crash.

This is the fourth time in history that a Senate vote has brought down the Government.

M. Tardieu’s fall was unexpected as it was believed M. Poincare’s Support would suffice to gain a small but sufficient majority against the Radical Socialist attackers. M. Poincare and M. Caillaux voted for the Government'‘though it was noteworthy that neither intervened in the debate. • .

M. Tardieu’s opponents made considerable play regarding the losses recently caused small investors, particularly in the Oustric Bank affair, denounced the Government’s educational policy and hinted that the Government’s republicanism was rather weak. M. Tardieu in a spirited reply admitted a world economic crisis existed but claimed that in comparison .with other countries France was cutting a good figure. Nevertheless there were weak points such as a decline in luxury trades and tourist traffic. M. Briand and M. Poincare have since intimated their unwillingness to accept the Premiership. M. de Ladier, leader of the Radical Socialists, is mentioned as a possible Premier. M. Cheron (Minister of Finance for M. Tardieu), and M. Laval are also supported. The crisis threatens to be long and difficult.