25 MARCH 1938, Page 2

France's Government M. Blum's Cabinet is again in difficulties but

continues to fulfil its recognised purpose of carrying on the Republic's government until a stronger Cabinet can be formed. On Tuesday he presented two financial bills, both emergency measures, to the Chamber, designed to give the Treasury and the new National Defence Fund sufficient resources for the moment. The devices adopted are admittedly a means of avoiding the issue of a loan at a moment when its success could not be guaranteed. There are other devices M. Blum can resort to if the present interregnum continues. The Chamber gave its assent to both Bills ; it is possible they may be rejected by the Senate, not, however, on their merits, but because the moment may have come in which the formation of a genuinely National Government can be evolved. M. Blum would be the last to hinder its formation, whether he leads it or not. The consolidation of public opinion was emphasised this week by M. Paul Reynaud, who said that for the four Opposition members who ten days ago were in favour of a National Government there were now sixty-one. Even the question of Spain, which previously was a source of dissension, may now make for unity ; and if such a Government is formed there should be no difficulty over the issue of a defence loan. * * * *