FRENCH POLITICS

Taihape Daily Times, 15 November 1917, Page 5

FRENCH POLITICS

FRENCH GOVERNMENT

DEFEATED.

PARIS, November 14,

The Chamber passed confidence in M. Painleve, but tho Government was defeated by 277 to IS6 upon a refusal to immediately discuss interpellations. President Poincare, will probably ask M. Viviani to form a Cabinet.

FRENCH PREMIER’S SPEECH.

SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION.

WHAT ITALY’S FAILURE MEANS,

Received 11.5,

PARIS, Nov 14

M. addressing the Chamber, said the Russian collapse made defeat of Italy possible, thereby necessitating immediate Allied measures being taken. French troops took their place in the front line, the movement being executed with such rapidity and precision as to inspire admiration. To-day, British contingents were spreading out beyond the Alps. England is sending large forces, the Allies having realised that the defeat of one would mean the death of all. Therefore they were putting their armies and money into a common stock and an inter-Allied Committee would be a supreme Council of War.

Doubtless, whose troops would soon be • fighting on the same front, will co-operate in the Council, and we will conduct further negotiations with Russia and Japan.

The War Council will meet in France, at least once a month. Objection had already been raised that we need a single command, not a consultative committee. He wouldn’t say the scheme represents tSe last step in the path of progress,. but they ought ; without delay, achieve the best possible, and not wait months without doing anything. Perhaps the War Councils working would lead to unity of command. Such a command would require a General Staff exactly as now created Already the steps had been some comfort to Italy and had i spread enthusiasm throughout ■ the Italian people, f. M. Painleve said Germany is making a tremendous effort, hoping for decisive victory before the end of the year. Complete accord had been reached by the Anglo-French on military matters, also regarding the revictualling of the Allies. In these respects they would soon constitute a single country. Upon war steadfastness depends the future of four-fifths of the civilised world. Regarding further extension of the British front, a preliminary agreement had been reached between the two commanders and the operation would be carried out.at an early date.

Mutual control of food supplies was a feature of the Anglo-French agreement; both were ready for further restrictions so as to release ships for the transport of American troops, , The “Morning Post’s” correspondent says the speech was coldly received, but the reference to American financial and economic assistance aroused enthusiasm

GOVERNMENT DEFEATED. Received 11.35. PARIS Nov 14. Following M. Painleve’s speech, the Chamber discussed two interpellations. Deputy Ferry urged the fusion of the armies on the West front. Deputy Lemery favoured the creation of an army of manoeuvre. The Chamber voted confidence by 250 to 192, and it looked as if the Government would emerge victorious from a warm session. When the question arose for fixing the date for the discussion of the interpellations on the Government’s internal policy, M. Painleve refused to allow discussion before November 30, saying the members of the Government must have time to work instead of always defending their Painleve put the question of and the voting proceeded in a heated atmosphere. There was little surprise when the voting —277 to 166 —indicated the defeat of the Government.