FRANCE STANDS FAST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 286, 16 September 1935, Page 5

FRANCE STANDS FAST.

FAITH IN THE COVENANT. BRITISH POLICY SUPPORTED. (United Press Association—Copyright) GENEVA , September 13. Rising in a tense atmosphere in the League Assembly, M. Laval, in a 10minute speech, revealed France’s view of the crisis. “Everybody has to take responsibility for the present grave situation,” he declared. “I do so on behalf of. France. I declare our faith in the Covenant. We cannot fail in our obligations. W e bring a contribution that, is enthusiastic and considered. We have confidence that the people will realise their hope of peace. There have been moments of deception, but we shall carry, on. From the protocol of 1924, to the Disarmament Conference of 1932, the doctrine of collective security has been France’s doctrine, and it will remain so. How can we let it die All reason and justice would be against it. “All the agreements we have with our allies and friends—Locarno, the Rome accord, the Franco - Soviet agreement, our treaties with the Lit e Entente,—are based on Geneva, and any damage to Geneva is damage to our security. “Sir Samuel Hoare showed Britain s determination to stand by the League. No Power can regard these words more warmly than France for none better knoWs their value. Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech marks an historic date in the League’s annals. We rejoiced at our close collaboration with Great Britain in the defence of peace and the safeguarding of Europe. I belong to a country which hates war. In spite of its high military. qualities, it is animated by a firm will for peace for all, bv the collaboration of all. “We signed an agreement at Rome with Signor Mussolini that definitely set aside all that might divide us. \\e are now faced with the present dispute. Again, at S-tresa, with Britain, we met Italy in the same desire to serve the cause of peace. Ye aie leady to persevere with that collaboration in an atmosphre of solidarity for the realisation not only of international, but of European peace. “I am determined in the supreme effort the Council is now making to find a solution to fulfil France s duty as a member of the League, and! as a friend of Italy. Everything will be done to satisfy the legitimate requirements of Italy which can be done, having regal'd to the rights of League members. “No disaccord exists between Britain and France in the search for 1 a peaceful settlement. We succeeded in the iSaaT; and also in the dispute between Yugoslavia and Hungary, ana *we will try to achieve the same success now. Our obligations are in the Covenant, and France will not withdraw from them. We wish to make the League’s moral authority even stronger.” . M. Laval left the rostrum, amid applause, Sir Samuel Hoare warmly shaking him by the hand. Sir Samuel left by air for England at 11.30. - 1