GOVT.’S ONLY AIM IS TO DEFEND THE FRANC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17905, 22 July 1926, Page 15

GOVT.’S ONLY AIM IS TO DEFEND THE FRANC.

LONDON, July 21. The ne*w French Cabinet sat for many hours discussing financial prospects and the Ministerial declaration for submission to the Chamber of Deputies on Thursday. In the meantime, M. Ilerriot has issued a manifesto that the Government's single aim is the defence of the franc. It will be outside of all party spirit, he says, and he promises that it will be energetic. lie asks of the country tranquillity, which he describes as being as important as national labour. The impression prevails that M. Ilerriot will seek a vote of confidence and “constitutional powers” for certain purposes, . after which the session will be closed and the Chamber and the Senate dispersed for holidays. But will the vote of confidence be forthcoming? It is reported that dissensions have already been revealed in the Cabinet. It is even rumoured that M. Demonzie. Finance Minister, has resigned, but this is denied. The atmosphere in the lobbies and in the Chamber vesterdav afternoon was thoroughly bad”for M. Herriot. There is also hostile Press opirfion. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Herald” thinks that the Government may meet an instant defeat on Thursday, and forecasts the advent of M. Poincare, whose obstinacy during the. Ruhr period is recalled as indicating the qualities required at present.