FRENCH POLITICS.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 3 January 1929, Page 6

FRENCH POLITICS.

(Per Press Association —Copyright)

PARIS, December 31

The political situation is easier owing to the Chamber, by 450 votes to 10, and Senate by 274 votes to lb, passing the Budget and ending the session. The likelihood of a Cabinet crisis will thus be eliminated, though M. Poincare is expected to make a big speech explaining Cabinet’s policy on January 10, when he will demand a vote of confidence. LONDON, January 1.

The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Express” understands that M. Poincare intends to be a candidate at next Presidential election. Yesterday’s Cabinet meeting only evolved a compromise, but an opportunity will be given the Chamber in the middle of January to declare itself. If the Prime Minister considers that the confidence of the majority is insufficient he will definitely retire.

The "Daily Telegraph’s” Paris coreispendeiit narrates an incident throwing light on M. Poincare’s attitude. The first draft communique issued after Cabinet met did not mention M. Poincare’s decision to resign. M. Poin-j care insisted on redrafting the. communique, again threatening to give up office if what had occurred was not disclosed to the public. There is no doubt that the country and the Press are emphatic in demanding that M. Poincare shall remain in office, whatever Parliament and some members of Cabinet think. The Prime Minister has not lost any prestige in the country, which would be unable to understand his withdrawal when reparation negotiations are beginning, nor can the “Gazette du France” scandal be left out of account. The Press is unanimous that a worse moment for a Cabinet crisis could scarcely be imagined. Nevertheless, M. Poincare's attitude can only be regarded as showing he is tired of office for many reasons, chiefly because he is unhappy with the Radicals’ opposition. (M. Poincare faced his third Cabinet crisis in three months when he oppos ed the raising of the salaries of Deputies and Senators, the proposal being carried by a majority of 133 after he left the Senate.)