Toujours La Politique
If the parties of the French Government had set themselves to demonstrate all the hopeless ineffectiveness attributed to them by General de Gaulle they could hardly have done it more thoroughly than they have in the past three weeks. The question of State aid for denominational schools is solemnly declared by all to be the crucial issue in French politics. The convention that this matter is political dynamite is so religiously observed that the necessary Bill has to be sponsored by a private member. The members of the Cabinet are so intent on keeping clear of the explosion that they refrain from voting at all. The governing coalition is split, and the majority of one of the parties included in it—the Socialist-Radicals—vote against the Bill, which is nevertheless passed. Then comes—or should come—the ex- plosion. But instead there is only a steady muttering from the Socialists, who are not included in the present Government and whose leader vows, in a speech in the best melodramatic vein, undying enmity to the predominantly Catholic M.R.P. for its part in getting the Bill through. Of course, the Government may yet fall. There may be serious trouble ahead if the Socialists decide to add another disastrous chapter to their Mainly dis- creditable post-war history by keeping alive an issue which would be better dead. But if M. Pleven manages to get through the next few weeks without mishap, and if in particular he manages to secure assent to his perfectly reasonable economic pro- graimne (which in a real world should count for much more than the schools question), then the Gaullists may lose the chance of a share of power which is now almost Within their grasp, and the simple fact may be demonstrated that—despite the recent antics of the politicians—the French are a very sensible people and the Government of France really does work.
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