CAN FRANCE SAVE HERSELF?

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 17

CAN FRANCE SAVE HERSELF?

Plain Warning by Prime

Minister

Bigger Burden of ’ Armaments Response to Challenging Nations Onlted Press Association—By specific Telegraph —Copyright PARIS, October 27. In a statement on French policy, the Prime Minister <M. Daladier) said that the Government did not intend to abrogate the 40-hour week, but there must be elasticity. The arbitration awards would henceforth be enforced and neither the employers nor the workers would be permitted to evade their duties. Strikes are to be made illegal without a previous secret ballot and foreigners, or men with police records would not be permitted to bo trade union delegates. He pointed out that Italy, Germany and Russia forbade propaganda in their countries and France henceforth would ban any i inationai movements, either by foreigners or Frenchmen. French recovery could not result from a miracle. There was no need for a saviour, or a man of destiny. The country could save itself by its own effort. Referring to Germany, M. Daladier said there were strong reasons for mutual esteem which should lead to a loyal collaboration. French foreign policy continued to be based on cooperation with Great Britain, but France had open understandings with other countries. Defending the Munich agreement, M. Daladier condemned the Communists, who alone persisted in attacking those who were trying to maintain peace. He denied that France had capitulated to Germany. If he had found himself faced with an ultimatum at Munich, he would have returned to Paris and appealed for the resistance of the nation. The Munich agreement was an act of reason.

GERMAN ATTITUDE TO FRANCE EARLY DECLARATION ANTICIPATED □nit d Pres? Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 29, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, October 28. The Paris correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” reports that wellinformed opinion states that a FrancoGerman declaration, more precise and more far-reaching than the AngloGerman Pact, is expected early in November. It is understood that M. Poncet is bringing from Berlin, Herr Hitler’s draft declaration for approval by M. Daladier and M. Bonnet. In Berlin, M. Daladier’s speech has been well received. Typical of the press comment is that of "The Berliner Tageblatt,” which says that hope is becoming more justified and that Franco-German and Italian co-operation will become greater, particularly to counter the Moscow spirit that is evident in France.