France.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19463, 31 December 1934, Page 3

France.

Several events of outstanding importance in France aroused worldwide attention during the year. The Ministry which had been formed by M. Chautemps in December,. 1933, met disaster last February when the Stavisky affair shook France to its foundations. Stavisky, who subsequently 'committed suicide at the moment of arrest, was involved in the embezzlement of £2,000,000, and during the hearing of the charges allegations of widespread bribery and corruption were made, and the names of leading politicians—Herriot, Chautemps and Tardieu—were mentioned in the case.

Fierce rioting occurred in Paris and elsewhere as a result of revelations involving those high in the affairs of State, and M. Doumergue, the veteran statesman, came from retirement to form a Coalition Government. Relations with Germany. Doumergue restored order following the riots and introduced and had passed a budget embodying necessary economies and restoring public confidence In the Ministry. However, the public attitude to Parliament and the parliamentary system was still suspicious and hostile, and in November M. Doumergue attempted to introduce legislation reforming Parliament on British lines. He was defeated and M. Laval became the” new Premier. Over tho period surveyed, relations with 'Germany were difficult and anxious but there were no alarming developments. The Saar question raised doubts about the future of the peace of Europe until 'December, when Britain’s offer to contribute troops to ensure order in the territory under dispute solved the problem, which was fraught with hidden dangers. Promise of Improvement. The year closes wilh promise .of improvement in Franco-German relations mainly as a result of efforts do appeal for peace through ex-soldiers in Germany, Britain and France. The Slavisky affair has repercussions which lasted for several months and consequently 'tlie ■financial position saw little improvement. Rigid adherence to the gold standard in the face of different monetary standards among oilier leading Powers did not react favourably to France’s economic position. The possibility of a Fniueo-Russkin alliance caused considerable comment i:i diplomatic circles in November until such a move was officially denied and it was announced that Franco picferreel to move more within Hie framework of tlie League of Nations. The country was shaken over the assassination of Al. Barthou, Ihe Foreign Minister, in company with 'King Alexander of Yugoslavia, and for a lime serious complications were imminent which fortunately have not assumed menacing proportions. In October France mourned Hie death of Poincare, statesman and patriot, and President during Hie Great War. lie had always held the implicit trust and l'ailh of tlie people and was an intense nationalist throughout hi: life.