Royalism

Reports from France contain information pointing to widespread activities of the Camelots du Roi, whose adoption of Fascist antics led to a bitter discussion in the Chamber of Deputies some days ago (TIME, June 11).

The strength of the Camelots is computed at 1,500,000 - scattered throughout France. In every local arrondissement is a Camelot group, drilled and trained under the guise of "general athletics." The Royalist war chest is said to contain many millions of francs, and more money continues to flow into its coffers. Farmers and peasants are reported to be joining the organization.

The Government has taken a serious view of the situation. Following M. Maunoury's promise to maintain order, his speech, together with the anti Royalist speeches of Deputies Brousse and Herriot, were placarded throughout France. Coercive methods against the Royalists are likely to follow.

Contrary to the opinion of many Americans, the Royalist question is not treated as a joke by the French public. Ever since the war there has been a growing movement of a serious nature in Royalist circles. During the war many Royalists distinguished themselves, and in many cases earned the respect, if nothing more, of the public. The number of "young aristocrats'' in favor of the Republic are few indeed, except perhaps those of the First and Second Empires, whose cause is practically dead.

A well known French scholar recently remarked that " given a political crisis, the Camelots are well enough organized to overthrow the Republican regime and imprison the President in the Elysee."