FRENCH CABINET

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1930, Page 5

FRENCH CABINET

A SENATE DEFEAT.

LEADS TO RESIGNATION

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

PARIS, December 4

The Tnrdieu Cabinet has resigned after a defeat in the Senate by 147 to 139, following on the Opposition’s interpellation regarding its general policy.

There was an intensely dramatic debate, a. crowded Chamber including many fashionably-dressed and elegant-ly-clad women. Senator Herey attacked the Government from every angle, declaring the Chamber- was not sufficiently informed on foreign affairs. The Government had neglected the national defence. Its financial policy was a hoax. Tic said speculation was rife, and the cost of living was. rising. France was suffering from one of the worst economic crisis she had ever experienced, besides the Oustric Bank scandal and other scandals. The country was heading for bauruptcy. * 'M. Tardicu, in replying, insisted that his policy aimed at ensuring the maximum strength against pressure from within and without, and also against the economic crisis, which, he Miid was a world phenomenon. Indeed, he .said, France's position, was generally healthy, owing to French thrift, and M. Poincare’s handling of i.he stabilisation problem. The Government was not responsible for the scandals. He said Mr Snowden (British Chancellor), had not been attacked in England over the Hatry affair, which had caused losses fivefold ns great as those of the Oustric scandal; any more than Mr Mellon (IJ.S.A. Treasurer) had been challenged regarding the Wall Street crash.

This is the fourth time in history that a Senate vote has brought down a Government.

UNEXPECTED FALL

(Received tin’s day at 8 a..m.) PARIS, December 5

M. Tardieu’s fall was unexpected as it was believed M. Poincare’s support of office would gain a small but sufficient majority against radical Socialist attackers. M. Poincare and M. Caiilaux ' voted for the Government though it was noteworthy that-, neither intervened in the debate.

At. Tardieu’s opponent made considerable play in regard to the losses recently caused small investors, particularly the Oustric affair. Thev denounded the Government’s Educational Policy and hinted that its republicanism was rather weak. M. Tardieu, in a spirited reply, admitted that a world economic crisis existed, but claimed by coinpalisoii with other countries that .France-was cutting a good figure. Nevertheless there/were weak points such as decline of luxury trades and tourist traffic. M. Briand and M. Poincare have intimated their unwillingness to accept the Premiership. M. de Ladier, leader of the Radical Socialists is mentioned as the possible Premier. Cheron Laval also supported the crisis, which threatens to "be long and difficulty