15 DECEMBER 1917, Page 3

M. Clemenceau has given clear proof of his determination to

unravel the Pacifleist scandals in France by asking the Chamber, through General Dubai], the Military Governor of Paris, to suspend the Parliamentary immunity of M. Caillaux, so that he may be tried by Court-Martial on a charge of endangering the State. M. Caillaux, the leader of a strong Radical party and an ex-Prernier, has always been regarded, rightly or wrongly, as an advocate of peace at any price with Germany, and General Dubail now points to him as the chief contriver of the intrigues for a separate peace con- mutest with the name of Bolo Pasha. M. Caillaux may be entirely innocent, but the accusations levelled against him have become so numerous and so specific that he may welcome the chance of clearing his character before a Court from which politics must be excluded. It remains to be seen whether the Chamber, which is very jealous of its immunities, will permit this prominent Deputy to be tried. X Clemenceau has staked his existence as Premier on the chance of its consenting. The trial, if it takes place, will be the most serious ease that France has known since Marshal Bazaine was tried in 1873 for negotiating with the enemy in the interest of the fallen Emperor, as well as for surrendering Metz prematurely and thus ruining the French plans for the relief of Paris.