A Government in France
That France should have a government which has lasted a full week, and that its head should have twice secured majorities of over a hundred in the Asembly, is matter, not indeed for enthusiasm but for some satisfaction. There is no justification yet for regarding M. Queuille as more firmly based than M. Schuman or M. Marie, except in so far as Deputies, particularly the Socialists, may have become convinced at last of the peril in which their recent irresponsibility has involved both their own country and all Europe. For M. Queuille's courage there can be nothing but admiration. He can offer no programme that differs substantially from those that brought his predecessors down, for in France as in Britain no cure exists for present ills but hard work and sacrifice. A member of M. Herrioes Radical Party, M. Queuille has taken the onerous portfolio of Finance and Economics himself and placed Socialists in the two important posts of Defence (M. Ramadier) and the Interior (M. Moch). With General de Gaulle showing some signs of tolerance towards the new administration, there is less probability of a combination of Right and Communists to bring down the Government. But the support promised by the Socialists is hesitant and grudging, and it has yet to be seen whether they are equal to facing the unpopularity which higher taxes and higher prices (bread was put up on Tuesday) may entail. M. Queuille, unfortunately, is a competent rather than an inspiring personality, and he hardly has it in him to stir the country to the willing acceptance of sacrifices. It is a grave matter that France should at this moment be of so little account in the councils of Europe. With the Third Assembly of the United Nations about to open in Paris, it is of the first importance that under M. Queuille's lead the country should show itself capable of unity and stability. She must in the main achieve that unaided, but a closer association, which it is to be hoped is being worked out, between the Brussels Treaty States should do something to brace and strengthen her.
Previous page
