FRANCO-BRITISH AXIS STRESSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 22, 27 January 1939, Page 7

FRANCO-BRITISH AXIS STRESSED.

"AS STRONG AS ANY! , M. Bonnet Says Entente Was Never So Close. COMPLETE SOLIDARITY. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) PARIS. January 2rt. Thr Foreign Minister. M. Bonnet, speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, said England and France asked nothing; from anyone, but intended to preserve their patrimonies. "The entente was never so close. Tt is directed to winds peace, but in the event of war all the forces of Fiance will be placed at the disposal of Britain, and similarly all the forces of Britain will be placed at the disposal of France." Hβ reiterated the Government's policy of non-intervention in Spain was unchanged. M. Bonnet, referring to Spain. Paid the part Italy was taking could not be ignored, but the arguments against intervention remained, i "We consider it is Tor the Spaniards to settle their own affaire, but we won't allow our communications with North Africa to be endangered by foreign troops in Spain or from Morocco or the Spanish islands. Perfectly Loyal. "When we informed our British friends of this viewpoint they perfectly understood us. Britain's attitude has been perfectly loyal. "France has interests to defend in Spain. We cannot allow any State to interfere with Spain to the extent of

threatening French integrity. "The Burgos Government has let it l»e known it won't allow any foreign Power to settle the country. Britain is no less menaced regarding Malta and Gibraltar. "I can, therefore, affirm there is complete Anglo-French solidarity on this question." Maximum Power. He added that Lord Halifax informed him that Britain would not accept any infringement of Spanish territorial integrity. He declared the Franco-British axis was as strong as any in Europe. For this reason France wanted to sec Britain develop her military power to the maximum and Britain wished France to do the same. Will Maintain Integrity. "France is determined to maintain the integrity of her Kmpire. Let there l>e no ambiguity. Nobody may lay a finger on the Kmpire. France will not permit any attempt against what has been built up by French blood and French bravery. She will keep her independence and her territories intact." Alluding to the Far F.ast, M. Bonnet said the Government was determined not to allow any attack ngainst French interests. "We shall not admit that an agreement like the Treaty of Washington can l>e unilaterally denounced. Our engagements with the Soviet and Poland continue and must be carried out in the spirit in which they were contracted. "France has recovered her influence and is ready for any eventuality," he concluded. The Chamber of Deputies will vote on a confidence motion that the "Chamber approves of the Government's declaration and is confident in its vigilance to maintain the integrity of the French Kmpire and the safety of Imperial routes."