Britain's socialists had no monopoly of crisis. In France, Premier Paul Ramadier's Government was wobbling; French economy was heading toward collapse. Industry was hamstrung by coal shortages, strikes and absenteeism. With exports for the first half of 1947 $500 million less than imports, the French dollar reserve was down to $400 million. Drought had shriveled half the wheat crop. Scarce dollars must be diverted to buying food.
In Paris, Brest, Avignon and elsewhere there were demonstrations against the Ramadier Government. Marchers carried placards which said: "RamadierDemissionResign, Ramadier". Some of the demonstrations ended in scuffles with the police. Some appeared to...
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