FRENCH CABINET CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1921, Page 2

FRENCH CABINET CRISIS.

AFFECT ON ENTENTE. BY TELEGRAPH —iffiESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE'ASSOCIATION. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 15. The “Observer” states the British Government takes an extremely grave view of the French crisis. The position had recently been better than for many months. The Governments at Berlin, Paris or London were each disposed to settle outstanding legacies of the Treaty of Versailles in a reasonable spirit. It is now feared the vote of the Chamber of Disputes indicates a stiffening of French demands on Germany. It is no exaggeration to say that 31. Poincare’s sabotage has again imperilled the Entente. After quoting Hon Lloyd George’s interview (cabled Nov. 20th) especially the necessity of investigating and estimating what Germany was able to pay and then fixing the amount, the “Observer” says France had decided to act on this principle, but now on the eve of its realisation, the Government is defeated by Extremists who are blind to the imminent dangers. The paper adds that the British Government has requested a postponement of Wdnesda.vks .conference until the exaJct issue of the French crisis is known. Hon Lloyd George is fully determined to point out that the return bv Fran--a to an unbending insistence on the literal treaty rights in the interests of French financiers would gravely menace Europe and the Entente.

BRIAND FORMS CABINET.(Received This Day at 8 am.) PARIS, Jan. 15. Perot’s failure to form a Government wa,s clue to M. Poincarejtnd M. Briand each desiring the portfolio of foreign affairs. He, with regret, advised the President to invite M. Briand to form a Cabinet. Briand has arrangecj a Cabinet including Bartlum as Minister of War. POINCAIRE’S ATTITUDE. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. te. The “Sunday Times” Paris correspondent states M. Poincaire represented the pound of flesh interpretation of the Treaty, but the much more moderate men, Millernnd and Leygues found it necessary to curtail even their programme in view of the opposition of the Allies.. An unreasonable adherence to Poineaire’s policy might expose France to that isolation for which Germany longs. PARIS, January 16. The new ministry included DoiunerMinistcr of Finance, Sarrat, Minister for Colonies.

LEYGUES OVERTHROWN. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) BARIS, January 15. The overthrow of M. Leygues is ascribed to a variety of causes. He was id wavs regarded as a sort of buffer between the two- strong men, Milleraud and Briand. Moreover Leygues is condemned as being t too acquiescent in the British standpoint and insufficiently insistent on French interests especially concerning the strike and execution of the provisions in the Treaty of Aersailles. The majority of the Chamber is very dissatisfied with the postponement of the German Reparations which they consider necessary to repair French' finances. The future must decide whether the new Cabinet .with the so-called strong firm policy, will promote or de-

tract from the Anglo-French Entente. INTERNATIONALISM Oil NOT? PARIS, January 15. The judgment dissolving the Confederation of Labour is likely to have important consequences. The Committee has published the intention of an act outside law. It says no ,ration d Government c<mld permit the existence of another which, under the pretence |of Trade. Unionism, was established by a. minority of agitators and contrasts the Federation’s war services with the new revolutionary policy 7, based on a network of alliances with powerful foreign Trade Unions which espoused internationalism. Tlie -Government was., bound to support demonstrated resistance of the working classes against 'lie Confederation’s policy 7, and assist the stimulation of labour activities within legal limits. A member of the Executive Council of the Confederation declared that the organisation would continue its operations, especially as 4500 affiliated unions contimied to exist.