The Renaissance of France " It is a veritable renaissance,
not just a simple recovery," said M. Paul Reynaud, the French Finance Minister, speaking of the position of France in a broadcast speech last Satur- day. All who know the change that has come over the spirit of the country during the last few months will endorse his verdict, and the recent figures of exports, production and employment and the improvement in credit afford convinc- ing evidence. M. Daladier's Government is a stronger one than any that has been in power for some years, and it is addressing itself vigorously not only to defence measures and financial reorganisation but to important measures of social reform, such as the institution of the " Family Code," designed to stimulate the birth-rate. The measure which is arousing most criticism is that prolonging the life of the present Chamber until 1942. How far that may or may not be justified under the political conditions which exist in France is not for us, who live under very different conditions, to say. Undoubtedly the need of the moment in France is for a strong and continuous Government, and M. Daladier can afford to risk the charge of aspiring to dictatorship. He is apparently strong enough to continue to carry so unpopular a colleague as M. Bonnet.
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