M.R.P. LEADER’S HOPES OF FORMING FRENCH CABINET

Grey River Argus, 1 September 1948, Page 5

M.R.P. LEADER’S HOPES OF FORMING FRENCH CABINET

LONDON, August 30. M. Robert Schuman, Leader of the Popular Republican Party, who was Prime Minister of France from November to June last, stated he would try. to form a Government, and would present his Cabinet and programme to the National Assembly tomorrow. He felt sure the Assembly would give him a vote of confidence. He realised that there were big difficulties in forming a Cabinet, but he was willing, under the pressure of time and events, to try. Political observers say that M. Schuman has a slightly better chance than M. Ramadier of forming a coalition Government. CURRENCY & PRICES CRISIS The lengthening Cabinet crisis has forced the franc lower in terms of gold. The dollar, which was quoted at 21,600 francs before the crisis, reached 23,500 francs to-day. Prices are rising and as also is public discontent, which means that any new Government must be prepared to take speedy action to slash prices. COMMUNISTS START DEMONSTRATION The French Communists are trying to "cash in” on the Government crisis. The British United Press correspondent at Paris reports that Comrmunist-led demonstrations against rising prices have occurred throughout the country. The Communists in Paris collected signatures -to a petition demanding a democratic people’s Government. Strong police cordons turned back about 200 workers when they marched towards the Ministry of Labour to protest against rising prices. Schuman Given A Chance (N.Z.P.A.—REUTER CABLE) (Rec. 9.10). PARIS, August 31. Political observers now take a cautiously optimistic view of M. Schuman’s chances of getting 311 votes in the National Assembly, which number is constitutionally necessary for him to become Prime Minister. SOCIALIST PARTY’S TACTICS • The political atmosphere has further been embittered by the Socialist Party action in issuing a statement explaining its action in bringing about the fall of the Cabinet of M. Marie. It says that it did so for France’s financial and economic recovery. This led to the crisis. Observers feel t/ht the terms and the timing; of the statement are hardly calculated to increase the chances of harmony in a Coalition Cabinet ’