M. Blum and the C.G.T.
Though the French Chamber met on Tuesday, its session will last only a week, and M. Blum will not have to face a debate on his Cabinet's policy until May 7th. His Parlia- mentary position is, however, stronger than might have been expected. The Radicals are, momentarily at least, appeased by the statement of M. Vincent-Auriol, the Minister of Finance, that no further long-term loan will be issued this year, and by the implication that the Government will continue to resist the demands of the trade unions for large- scale expenditure on public works. The Communists also have shown themselves conciliatory, as their support of M. Jouhaux's public works programme is not being pressed to extremes. Their complaint against M. Blum, curiously enough, is that the enforcement of the 4o-hour week on small shopkeepers is too rigorous. Thus M. Blum's position in Parliament seems assured by the moderate attitude of the Right and the Left to the Popular Front ; and he has even received Conservative support for his opposition to the Confederation Generale du Travail. It is possible, however, that the fate of his Government may be decided not by a vote in the Chamber but by the actitivies of the C.G.T. outside Parliament.
* * * *
Previous page
