FRENCH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1924, Page 2

FRENCH POLITICS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

[Redteks Telegrams.]

M. POINCARE'S RESIGNATION. an election dodge. PARIS, AlaivU 26. The public are astonished Cabinet ciibis, inasmuch as l’oilicaro had weathered the storm in connection with electoral reform, nobody expectedhim to accept deteat on a snap division. The question was whether the State employees should receive pension benefits on the same scale as other pensions. This addition would cost two milliards .. of francs, so Al. Lasteyrie lcfused to add the State employees to those scheduled in the Bill. A curious fact is that only eighty deputies were present in the Chamber at the time that the division was taken whereas there were no fewer than 535 votes east. The rest of the votes cast by the ushers, who filled in forms for the absent deputies, who had left voting papers in the ushers’ hands, so that the defeat is in no way considered a vote of want of confidence in M. Poincare. When the Premier was told of the crisis, the Cabinet met immediately, and in a few moments it had decided to go to tHe Elysee and hand in its resignation. Al. Poincare apporently thought lie would liave a better chance at the elections, if lie went to the electors complaining that his financial reforms had been defeated on a snap vote. Al. Brand (Opposition Leader), has stated that he will not accent office until alter the elections. If Al. Poincare changes his mind, lie may drop Al. Lasteyrie, Minister of I'ina nee and Al . Cheron, Alinistor of Agriculture, as neither is popular. He may also insist upon a temporary Government entitled “A Afinistry of National Defence.” • PARIS, Alarch 27. It is now likely Al. Earthen will ho the new Premier, Al. Poincare being adamant. - \ AMERICAN OPINION. ! WASHINGTON, Alarch 25. | While Poincare’s, resignation came as i a surprise in official circles, it is felt it is only-' a domestic matter of great importance to I-TAnoc, but would not I effect foreign relationships, especially the impending Reparations settlement basis and the Dawes negotiations.

White House has intimated that Fiance has virtually underwritten tho settlement, and it is not likely to be upset by the present eventuality. AIINISTERS’ APPEAL FAILS. (“Sydney Sun” Cables). {Received this day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, Alarch 27. After his defeat the whole Ministry waited on Al. Poincare and urged him to retain office, but they failed to alter his decision. Later it was rumoured M. Poincare may consent to retain office. ’ . The -Chamber ‘adjourned until Triday. A number of deputies indignantly protest their proxies voted against the Government contrary to orders. PARIS, Alarch 27. When urged by Al . Alillerand to form a. new -Ministry, AL Poincare asked for time to consider .the request and promised a reply to-morrow. LONDON, Alarch 2/. Al. Poincare will reform the French Alinistry.