THE FRENCH CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1925, Page 3

THE FRENCH CRISIS

f Australia it N.Z. Cable Association.] SUSPICION AXI) DISCONTENT. LONDON. (let. 28. France is now in the throes of a double crisis ariiing out of die political situation a.’-’l the Damascus disclosures. 'file latter produced a most painful effect here as well as in France. The “.Morning Post” affirms not only financial difficulties embarrassed the Painlevc regime, hut Ihe long, costly war in Morocco has tried the patience of I lie French people. The situation in Syria has aroused .suspicion and discontent. The “Post” in an editorial predicts the events in Damascus will have a most serious result. The “Daily Herald” says the Socialists in I,he French Senate and Chamber are sure to insist on the dismissal of guilty persons no matter how highly placed. It is generally understood President Doumergue has commissioned M. Painleve to form a new Government in which it is believed M. l’ainlcvc would liecome Financial Minister himself. The opinion has lately been stressed in Paris that whoever is the new Prime Minister of France lie must he prepared to assume the responsihilitv ol straightening out the financial difficulties. The prospect is most uncertain in the event of M. Painlevc not succeeding. M. Herriot and M. Briand are both reluctant to quit their present posts. It is considered most likely the assembly of the Senate and ChnmlH'i' on Thursday will lie postponed. M. Caillaiux is making no secret of his hostility towards M. Pniideve. It. is expected underground warfare between M. Caillaiux and a prominent French hanker and others will now come to the surface. It. is even asserted M. Caillaiux told M. Painlevc lie would wreck any new Ministry that lie succeeded in creating. It is stated. that part of M. Caillaiux’s programme was an inheritance tax, averaging thirty per cent ol the value of fho estates falling to heirs and successors, hut lie was willing to give testators the right to pay upon the capital during their liletime. and transfer to heirs at deatlf without iHither diminution. The “Times” says it was perhaps faulty tactics on M. Caillauixs’ part continually to postpone the announcement of his complete [dans for financial reform. PARTS, Oct. ‘27. At. Painlevc during the morning had a lengthv conference witli M. Herriot. who as President of the Chamber and the Cabinet Council expressed the opinion that the Ministry's collective resignation would lie the best course. At. Painlevc thereupon suggested M. Herriot take the Premiership. The latter's reply was: “My Ministry tell owing to the currency inflation, watch was then absolutely necessary. the position now is the same, and Hie new first task must be to ask Parliament to sanction inflation. Thereupon I cannot consider the 1 remiership.” -