M. Blum's Anxieties In the Committee of Entente between the
French Communists and Socialists on Tuesday, it was agreed that the Communists would continue to support M. Blum on every issue except Spain, which had no part in the original Popular Front programme. This agreement assures M. Blum of a continued majority and enables the Communists to avoid breaking the Popular Front. On Tuesday, by a large majority, the Chamber passed the Press Bill, in spite of apprehension of the possible effects of the clause penalising the wilful publication of false news which may disturb the peace or prejudice international relations. It is feared that by reactionary Governments the clause may be used as a repressive Measure against the Left Press. There is doubt also whether the clauses relating to libel may not introduce into France the same abuses as are possible at present under the libel laws in this country. For Great Britain, perhaps, the most important event of the week was the declaration of M. Delbos, the Foreign Minister, that, in the event of an unprovoked attack on this country, France will conie to our assistance with all her air, land and sea forces. This declaration gives a new and unequi- vocal basis to Franco-British relations, and may have great effect in counteracting the present isolationist trend in British public opinion.
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