The reasons for this amazing contradiction on the Rhine front to the desperateness of the war in which Germany and the Allies are locked are apparently three-fold.
Firstly, many Frenchmen stationed along the Rhine are German-speaking Alsatians living in the neighbourhood which they are defending, who have friends and relatives across the river on the German side.
Secondly, the Rhine, with its bridged expanse of 200 yards separate ing two heavily fortified lines, discourages the thought of invasion anywhere across that 120 miles of front.
Thirdly, there is a tacit realization that if one side shells the enemy shore, the enemy will retaliate. This would mean the destruction of villages along the German bank of the Rhine, which, with one exception, are not evacuated. That exception is Kohl, which lies across the river from Strasbourg.
Paris, Mar. 15.
The motion of confidence voted by the Senate expressed France's admiration for heroic Finland and faith in her destiny. It also expressed confidence in the Government of France in waging the war with increasing energy until complete victory is achieved, giving freedom to all nations.
M. Joseph Paul-Boncour, former Foreign Minister; M. Pierre Laval, former Premier, and many other influential members of the Senate took part in the discussions.
The Premier, M. Edouard Daladier, replied to their questions for more than 90 minutes.
While the secret sessions of the Senate were being held, members of the Chamber of Deputies expressed the opinion that the Government may take advantage of the unanimous support granted it to decide upon certain changes in the Cabinet and, in any case, appoint a new Minister of Information and Propaganda. Political circles are most divided in opinion regarding the possibility of a reshuffle in the Cabinet. However, they all agree that the present Government's policy will remain unchanged whatever happens, and that France's determination to wage the war until complete victory has been won was never deeper nor as firm.—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.