FRANCE’S GREAT PROBLEM.

Wairarapa Age, 9 May 1924, Page 4

FRANCE’S GREAT PROBLEM.

If one looks carefully into the origin of the present troubles in Europe it becomes evident that the fundamental cause of them is the low birthrate in France. In the time of Napoleon France had a far bigger population than either Britain or Germany, but since then social conditions in France have led to a reduced birthrate and a slowly increasing whereas Britain and Germany have grown much more rapidly. In 1922 the population of France, even with the addition of Alsace and Lorraine, was 39 millions, where that of Germany was 60 millions. Tho excess of births over deaths in France in 1922 was 70,000, while that in Germany was close on 700,000. France demands security, because it is evident that if no change is made in the relative rates of increase of population a clash must, occur seeking to defend herself by tho use of seeking to defend herself by use of native troops from her African and Asiatic possessions, but such methods are. bound to cause trouble once the natives realise their power. Rome foil, it is said, from lack of Romans, and no device can prevent France from doing the same unless her population increases more rapidly than it has done in the past. She must provide her own security by producing more children.