Poincare's Position

Poincare's Position

Premier Poincare, with his glittering "Ministery of all the talents" (TIME, April 7) faced a surprisingly fierce attack from both flanks when he outlined his new policy. The new policy is the same as his old policy, only more so. His statement to the Chamber of Deputies announced: 1) The renewed intention of France to remain in the Ruhr and retain her hold on all gages until Germany pays reparations in full; 2) that France is willing to uphold the League of Nations but puts her own security first; 3) that every effort would be made to keep up the policy of economy without inflation of the currency; 4) that France desires an entente with the Allies, but only on Poincare's terms.

For three days the opposition assaulted him continuously in the Chamber. Herriot, radical leader; Blanc, communist, and Forgeot, follower of Clemenceau, led the attack, declaring that the Ruhr policy was fruitless, a dead loss. At last Poincare grew testy. He demanded a vote and was upheld, 408 to 151.