FRANCE AND U.S.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19202, 7 January 1928, Page 13

FRANCE AND U.S.

SUGGESTED PACT

FRENCH APPROVAL

(bt cabls—fmsi amociatioic— copi*ioffr-) (AUSTBALIAX Axn x.s. CAST* ASSOCUTIOS.i

(Received January 6th, 8.50' P- m -)

PARIS, January 5. The French opinion of Mr F. B. Kellogg's proposals are now regarded even with favour. The change is the result of a study of the full text from which it does not appear that Mr Kellogg wishes to replace the pact between France and the United States by a world pact as the summary seemed to imply. "Le Temps" says: "There is nonobjection in principle to the United States opening negotiations with .other Powers entirely distinct from the Franco-American negotiations. The only essential is that the pacts should harmonise with the Geneva Conference, to which Mr . Kellogg's proposals may bring the United States nearer. She, for the first time, is willing to unite with the Powers which made themselves the guardians of peace." The "Journal des Debats" says: "We must always encourage any initiative against war from Washington."

AMERICAN COMMENT

UNMIXED SATISFACTIOxV

(austiumax. and x.z. cable association.)

(Received January 6th, 9.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 5.

The seeming shift of sentiment in French Government circles in favour of the principle,of the American proposal for the multi-lateral treaty renouncing war was accepted in official circles here to-day with unmixed satisfaction. Whatever reactions Prance might have towards the plan so far as the League of Nations or treaties with European States are concerned, it is believed that the Poincare Government could not afford to be placed in a false light by an outright and immediate rejection of the American scheme. '

Some changes in-Mr Kellogg's plan may be suggested as a result of the deliberations of the French Cabinet, and if so these will be received in a spirit of accommodation. The State Department has indicated that it is prepared to consider sympathetically any amendments to the proposal it has made.

BRITAIN GETS COPY. ■%

(aUSTJUUA.S' AX» X.Z.. CABLJS ASSOCIATION.)

LONDON, January o,

A copy of Mr Kellogg's Note. has been formally handed to the British Foreign Office, which at present is not commenting upon it.

" Official quarters broadly approve ofthe Note and express the opinion that a multi-lateral treaty would not cub across the League Covenant, though nrach depends on the text, ; but it is pointed out that the Covenant in certain circumstances permits.even commands of war. Furthermore, in certain limited, circumstancesj ■- like Locarno, Britain is committed to san«>r. tions which. America does not mention. Therefore, till these .Joints are' clarified there is no prospect of any : official British communication.

Britain May be directly linked in the discussions when the proposed enlargement of the Root arbitration, treaties, expiring in June, is considered. - Professor Gilbert - Murray,. chairman of the League of Rations Uhion; says-' that America's : - proposal and the" League's resolution declaring war a',' crime is equally weak in the sense', that.every nation.will glibly agree till a crisis occurs, when it will saj> war is: Being thrust "upon it. If America can devise a treaty, completely outlawing war he is confident it. will he eiir thusiastically accepted by all nations.

■ '-r —. . « OBLIGATIONS TO LEAGUE

(AUSTKALIA-y AXD if.Z. CABLE-' ASSOMATIOy.)

PARIS, January 5,

A most- interesting development tp date is Cabinet's instructions to the Ambassador in Washington to make a specific reservation , safeguarding France's obligations to the -League :in the event of a war- of defence against. an aggressor nation.!