FRENCH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1925, Page 2

FRENCH POLITICS.

| Australia t fc N.Z. Cable Association.] M. BRIAND’S APPEAL. PARIS, Dee. 1. While the Chamber was still hostile to M. Loiieheur’s i n tin t ion policy, M. Briaiul, in a dramatic lntsh, said: “The Treasury is empty! Have you confidence in my Government to lill it, to enable France to keep her word to thousands of citizens. This is not the time to play, ’think of France! If you overthrow me; it will be a crime against France!” It was a decisive appeal. after which the Chamber voted the clauses with surprising rapidity. When an inflation vote was taken, M. Ifcrriot, breaking a long tradition left the Speaker's chair, and voted with the Government. LONDON. Dec. 4. The '-Morning Post’s” Parts correspondent says: Though M. Briand had 28 of a majority for the final passing of tlie Finance Bill!, .seventy of the Deputies abstained from voting.

It point- out that the Communists in combination with casual rebels, could easily reverse the position when a vote of confidence is again sought. Financial circles view with misgiving M. l.oucheur’s determination to enforce the payment of the new taxes by ihe middle of January, because it will force the redcmpjtion ot short-term bonds, thereby leading to further inflation. PATRIOTISM PREVAILED. LONDON. Dec. 6. The “Daily Express's” Paris correspondent states: Patriotism prevailed over party-puli I :es in the crisis, which threatened and it seems to have been averted tor tintime being. Ihe Senate reluctantly swallowed the bitter pill ol fresh inflation. It was a mutter of sheer necessity, hut it required all M. Briand’s presuasive eloquence and M. Loucheur's argumentative skill to break down the opposition. In the meantime there lias been such on orgy of speculation on the exchanges, owing to the fall of the franc, that the Prefect of Police ordered the closing of the Bourse on the renin ini n;i; Snturdays of 102 d in order to clear surrounding streets form a constant throng--il shrieking, sn uggling speculators.

BILL PASSED. PAULS. Dec. d. The French Senate has passed the entire Finance Bill by 20d to 20. ,