FRENCH POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16174, 27 December 1924, Page 5

FRENCH POLITICS.

DANGEROUS SITUATION.

A STORM BREWING.

PREMIER'S DEPOSAL SUGGESTED

(Australian; and N.Z. Cable Assn.) PARIS, December 25.

Despite opposition by the Minister for Public Works (M. Peytral), the Senate held up, by 153 votes to 143 votes, an amendment to the Amnesty Bill, providing for the reinstatement of railwaymen dismissed in consequence of the 1920 railway strike, at the option of the railway companies. ■ The Premier (M. Herriot) was able to leave his bed to-day to face the possibly dangerous political situation created by the Senate's refusal to accept the Amnesty Bill. M. Herriot is still suffering from leg trouble, and it will be some time before he is able to walk freely. The newspapers with official leanings continue to talk of a plot against the Government. Le Temps and Le Journal des Debats say M. Herriot should as soon as possible appear in the Senate and face the storm.

The question of • disarmament has also .assumed grave proportions. The French cliam that if Germany wishes to do so she can build another army and fight another war. It is contended that the only hope lies in the revival of efforts by all nations to preserve peace. This means efforts by Britain and the United Stales to prevent another war in Europe. La Journee Industrielle says that Germany seeks every chance to recover the position she held before 1911. She is only obeying the law of life. The mortal illusion for us will be to forget to keep ourselves ready for whatever eventuates.

Le Temps says French and Belgian troops should remain in the Ruhr until Germany completes disarming. Le Journal des Debats suggests getting rid of M. Herriot and installing a firmer man in the saddle. Attitude Towards Russia.

M. Yves Delbos, who was M. Herriot's representative on the commission which arranged the recognition of Russia, explains the Government attitude towards Russia in an article in Le Quotidien— namely, that recognition will come to nothing unless the Soviet formally and immediately recognises the debts of the French State and peoples, irrespective of counter-claims.

The writer also admonishes the Soviet for using Communist propaganda in France.