FACING MAJOR CRISIS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21182, 1 November 1938, Page 7

FACING MAJOR CRISIS

FRENCH CABINET IN DANGER Popular Front Ceases to Exist Reaction to Foreign Policy United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 31, 10.5’ pin.) LONDON, October 31. The Paris correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says: “Political circles predict that the Prime Minister (M. Daladier) is facing a major crisis, which is expected to come to a head before the assembly of Parliament on November 15. It is believed that the Popular Front majority, on which the Government relies has ceased to exist as the result of M. Daladier’s congress speech. If the Socialists separated from Communists remain faithful to M. Daladier, a new working majority could be found, but M. Blum and his Socialist followers are not willing to follow this course, because of their dissatisfaction with the foreign policy. M. Daladier is unlikely to seek a dissolution, as the hostility of the United Left would probably seal his fate. In a statement on French policy, on Thursday, the French 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 be trade union delegates. He pointed out that Italy, Germany and Russia forbade propaganda in their countries and France henceforth would ban any unnational 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 thi.t France had i pitulated to Germany. If h_ 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. PLAN FOR INDUSTRY DRAWN UP DIRECTED ECONOMY SUGGESTED United Press Association—By Elactrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received October 31, 6.30 p.m.) PARIS, October 30. The trend towards directed economy is certain to be speeded up after the Radical Congress. The former deputy, M. Marcel Deat, who has greatly influenced the Prime Minister (M. Daladier), has drawn up a plan obliging industries to conclude collective conventions under which factory production will be nationally controlled in a similar manner to that in force in Italy. M. Thorez, secretary to the Communist Party, in a speech said that the workers were ready to make aeroplanes and guns provided these were not delivered to Herr Hitler in a manner similar to the Czech’s armaments at the Munich Conference. REMOVING CAUSES OF FRICTION GERMAN SUGGESTION TO FRANCE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 30. The Australian Associated Press correspondent at Paris reports that it is revealed that Herr Hitler has suggested to the French Ambassador (M. Poncet), a Franco-German agreement based on the Hitler-Chamberlain declaration. The Quai d’Orsay is not captivated with the idea of a joint declaration for which reason it is possible that Herr Hitler, who is most anxious to remove the cause of friction on western frontiers, will personally “declare peace” under conditions certain to-be acceptable to France.

OUTLINE OF HERR HITLER’S PLANS COLONIAL PROBLEM NOT PRESSING. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 1, 12.25 ajn.) PARIS. October 31. Herr Hitler does not regard the colonial problem as particularly pressing, according to the provincial newspaper “Fresh-Lighting.” The conversation between Herr Hitler and M. Poncet can momentarily be postponed and considered when there is an opportune atmosphere to enable a mutually honourable solution, including a non-aggression pact, with a promise to respect the French and Belgian frontiers, economic agreements developing Franco-German trade, and non-aerial bombardment of open towns. Herr Hitler added he sincerely wishes a Franco-German agreement, whicn would prevent European con-fl-'ts. He did not wish to meddle in French politics, but while he was prepared to discuss the programme with M. Daladier and M. Bonnet, in he has confidence, he is anxious regarding the instability of French politics.