EWS OF THE WEEK
T In au s Main is today as effective France as the autocratic fiat of Herr Hitler in Germany —though whether the real author of decisions is the aged soldier or the astute politician M. Laval, may well be questioned. At whatever instance, the transition from a democratic to a totalitarian France is already all but complete. The formality of the adoption by the National Assembly of what is in effect a blank cheque for Marshal Petain in the matter of a new constitution was duly carried out at Vichy on Tuesday, and the further formality of submission to a national referendum— Nader conditions to be decided by the Petain Government and in an atmosphere created by the control of the Press and broadcasting on the established Nazi model—will follow in due course. Whether the inhabitants of occupied France are to record their votes has not been indicated, but it matters little. The nature of the new constitution has not been disclosed, or apparently even determined. It will be for " the Government of the Republic, under the authority and signature of Marshal Petain " to frame it and submit it to the nation. " It will guarantee laws of labour, the family and of the Fatherland." That is all that is known about it, but it is clear, as M. Herriot pointed out, that Parliament in its present form will cease to exist, and as the Government is no longer responsible to any Parliament it will be irremovable except by some form of revolution. Eighty members of the National Assembly, out of 649 voting, opposed the resolution. It is obvious than France is expected to adapt herself to the role of an agricultural larder for an industrial Germany. But Petain's measures may as easily drive France Communist.
