NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE failure of the General Strike in France on Wednesday is reassuring. It is arguable that a stoppage of work for 24 hours might have satisfied the protesters of the Left and done no great harm to the country, but M. Daladier's Government was in no such secure position that it could let a challenge of that kind to its prestige and authority pass. The vigour of its counter-measures was rewarded. The strike was a complete failure in Paris and a complete success nowhere, though in one or two of the textile centres of the north as many as 5o to 70 per cent. of the workers were idle. What is more satisfactory, practically no clashes between strikers and police or military are reported. The result is that France has vindicated herself in the eyes of the world, notably of Germany and Italy ; the Labour extremists have had a severe and salutary shock ; and the re-establishment of confidence is being manifested by the return of invested capital. Everything now depends on the use M. Daladier makes of his victory. In his broadcast speech on the evening of Wednesday he declared that what had been achieved was not the victory of a Government but the victory of France. He added that "the whole world knows now that France has triumphed over internal uncertainties and that she is stronger today than yesterday ". That is true, and it is the right spirit. But France has still a stern discipline to face and it remains to be seen whether she is ready for it. If M. Daladier can combine wise conciliation with firm leadership he may save his country. * * * *
