The Techniques of the Communist Party in France

Abstract

the present crisis of international relations, the main actors meet on the same stage at two chief points in Europe, Berlin and Vienna. Nevertheless, the role played by the Communists in France and Italy is drawing the attention of the world more and more to the developing political dramas in these countries. Since the apparent reversal of the Popular Front in the Italian elections, the activity of the French Communist party has become of key importance. As the prospect of an early election in France looms larger and with it the possibility of a seizure of power by the Communists, either through a legal election or by violent means, the need for a clear-sighted and cautious policy of support by the United States of effective anti-Communist forces becomes ever greater. It is the purpose of this paper to attempt some analysis of the strength of the Communist party in present day France, of the methods used by the party in the past to gain popular support, and to draw from them some inferences as to the possible tactics that may be used to secure control in France in the near future.