FRENCH POLICY TO BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24898, 11 June 1946, Page 5

FRENCH POLICY TO BRITAIN

APPROACH BY PARIS NOT EXPECTED

COMMUNISTS’ ROLE IN NEW GOVERNMENT

(Special Correspondent N.Z.PA.) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, June 9. The “Economist” expresses the opinion that the new French Government will be no readier than its predecessor to take the initiative to secure closer relations with Britain, because of the loyalty to Moscow of the Communists, who are the second strongest party, and who. though they have gained no. seats, have not lost ground. The Communists, says the “Economist.” may be expected to use all the influence they can to prevent the absorption of France in any “western” alliance, and to oppose all efforts at organised rapprochement between the countries of Western Europe. They are also likely to exert pressure to keep France a friendly neutral in the west, occasionally mediating between Russia and Britain and America, and occasionally supporting Russia. The "Economist” considers that since France is not securing striking benefits from America, and differs with Britain on the Ruhr settlement, the Communists may find their policy not difficult to carry out, added to which they can use their strength in the industrial sphere to secure concessions elsewhere, notably in foreign affairs.

FRENCH GOVERNMENT

SOCIALISTS WILL NOT TAKE LEADERSHIP

(Rec. 8 p.m.) PARIS, June 10. The Congress of the French Socialist Party voted against acceptance of the leadership of the new interim French Government. The Congress turned down a motion opposing participation in any kind of new Government. The Congress carried a motion censuring the -party’s executive “for its excessively conciliatory policy towards the Right and responsibility for the party’s losses at the elections.”