THE SECURITY PACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 191, 14 August 1925, Page 5

THE SECURITY PACT.

FRENCH REPLY TO GERMANY. DISTINCTLY CONCILIATORY. SUGGESTS A CONFERENCE. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 13. The text of the French reply to Germany with regard to the Security Pact will be communicated to the Belgian, Italian and Japanese Governments, and then sent to the German Government, after which it will be published, possibly next week. It is understood that the Note is distinctly conciliatory, and suggests a conference, including Germany. M. Briand went to Paris this morning, in excellent spirits, and obviously delighted with the result of his visit. The Paris newspapers generally comment soberly on "the London conversations. The "Petit Parisien" is impressed by the rapidity of the disappearance of difficulties. "Le Journal" says France jealously maintains the right of helping her East European allies in the event of their being victims of unprovoked German aggression, but does not refuse to await the decision of the League of Nations if aggression is only threatened. "Le Gaulois" says Germany cannot now count on serious disagreement with Paris or London. The "Echo de Paris" states that Mr. Chamberlain during the last few weeks has been able to judge of the unpopularity of the idea of the pact in Britain and the Dominions, and has realised that he has gone too far in promises to France. M. Briand can therefore be convinced that the guarantee pact offered by Britain may be called a nonguarantee pact. "L'Oeuvre" says the Entente is now more than cordial; it is real. The paper "Eclair" says that AngloAmerican finance is endeavouring to dominate Europe. France will be asked to make sacrifices as regards her security because international financiers have, so decided.