M. Briand has succeeded M. Viviani as Prime Minister of
France. The first thing to be said is that the fall of M. Viviani's Government is no sign of faltering or of a, change of policy on the part of France in carrying on the war. It is the exact contrary. The late Government was subject to a good deal of criticism, particularly in regard to the Balkans. When M. Delcasse resigned it could not survive long, for it was admittedly much weakened, and the French people desired a stronger Government, which they believed could be formed. Their belief was well justified. The new Government is a body of power, talent, and great experience. M. Briand, a man of singular energy and high adaptability to new condi- tions, is Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as Premier. He will be assisted at the Foreign Office by M. Jules Cambon, formerly Ambassador in Berlin. M. Viviani has become Minister of Justice, General Gallieni Minister of War, Rear- Admiral Lacaze Minister of Marine, and M. Ribot remains as Minister of Finance. There is also a group of "elder states- men" who have joined the Cabinet as Ministers of State. They are M. de Freycinet, M. Bourgeois, M. Combas. M. Guesde, and M. Denys Cochin. The number of Senators in the Government is remarkable.
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