BRITAIN, HE SAYS, NEEDS DICTATOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17831, 27 April 1926, Page 13

BRITAIN, HE SAYS, NEEDS DICTATOR.

That England and France need a Mussolini to curb the present expenditure, is the contention of Ford Inchcape, in a letter to “ The Times.” He particularly refers to France, where, he says, the only economy discernible is in the length of ladies’ dresses—- “ Unless France reduces her debt and balances her budget, national bankruptcy is inevitable,” he declares.

LONDON’, April 19. . ** England, almost as much as France, 1 needs a Mussolini to curb expenditure, except that,which is absolutely neces- I sarv for defetjee. justice and administration in the next decade,” says Lord

Inchcape. in a letter to “The Times” from Paris. “ Despite that the franc is worth less than 2d. France's prosperity, apparent--I\\ is increasing, by leaps and bounds,” he says. “Building it proceeding apace, motors

have increased 500 per cent since 1911. the people are well-dressed, shops and restaurants arc crowded, and the only economy discernible is in the length of the women’s skirts. “ The French are living in a fool’s paradise. They won’t reduce expenditure, contribute to the country’s expenses. nor repay loans to the Allies, I who prevented German conquest. “ Unless France reduces her debt and balances her Budget, national bankruptev is inevitable. ’ Lord Inchcape adds that Britain groans under heavy war taxation, but is meeting her obligations, and is not resorting to the printing press, like France. ” Nevertheless expenditure should be reduced,” continues Lord Inchcape, “ although many Commoners, like the French Deputies, do not support the Government’s attempts to economise. They seem to think more of their constituents’ votes than their country’s good.” TO SAVE FRANC. LONDON, April 10. The chief French ecclesiastics, including Cardinal Dubois and the Chief Rabbi, are joining the sinking fund committee, which will control voluntarv subscription to reduce the national debt, says the Paris correspondent of “ The Times.” The President, M. Doumergue, heads the subscription list with 50.000 francs. The Minister for Finance, M. Pcrct, has given 10.000 francs. Marshal Joffre haS been appointed president of the sinking fund committee.