NEW CONSTITUTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 July 1940, Page 6

NEW CONSTITUTION

PROPOSED IN FRANCE “UNDER HIGH AUTHORITY” OF PETAIN. GOVERNMENT TO DEMAND POWERS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.0 p.m.) VICHY, July 3.The French Government proposes to call a National Assembly to revise the constitution, according to the Havas Agency, which says the Government will demand the necessary powers to form a new constitution, under the high authority of Marshal Petain. The Havas Agency adds that the constitution must be ratified by a National Assembly or its elected representatives, acting instead of the present Parliament. Wider representation would be reserved for professional organisations. Marshal Petain and his colleagues are determined to break away from routine formalities. France’s defeat calls for bold measures. Parliament must help the Government to reform the whole structure of administration. A debate probably will open next week in both Chambers, after which the National Assembly will meet. The essential object of the new constitution will be to guarantee the rights of labour, family and the Fatherland. This project has been under consideration since the armistice. Numbers of Parliamentarians, advised of this, declare that they are aware of the necessities of the hour. The new constitution will be bold and modern. Work and intelligence must supersede favouritism and plutocracy.