FIRM STAND BY FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 106, 28 January 1939, Page 9

FIRM STAND BY FRANCE

Entente With Britain Never Closer

NON-INTERVENTION TO BE CONTINUED

Warning To Other Powers Against Aggression By Telegraph.—Press dsen. —Copyright. PARIS. January 26. The Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, delivering his anxiously-awaited speech in the Chamber of Deputies today, said: “Britain and France ask nothing from anyone, but intend to preserve their patrimonies. “The entente cordiale has never been so close. It is directed toward peace but, in the event of war, all the forces of France will be placed at the disposal of Britain. Similarly, all the forces of Britain will be placed at the disposal of France.” M. Bonnet reiterated that the policy of non-intervention in Spain was unchanged. He said that the part Italy was taking in that country could not be ignored, but the arguments against intervention remained. “We consider it is for the Spaniards to settle their own affairs.” he said.

“We will not allow our communications with North Africa to be endangered by foreign troops in Spain or from Morocco or the Spanish islands,” he continued. “When we informed our British friends of this viewpoint they perfectly understood us. Britain’s attitude has been perfectly loyal. Interests To Defend. • “France has interests to defend in Spain, and we cannot allow any State to interfere in Spain to the extent of threatening French integrity. “The Burgos Government has let it be known that it will not allow any foreign Power to settle ini the country. Britain is no less menaced regarding Malta and Gibraltar. I can, therefore, affirm that there is complete Anglo-French solidarity on this question.” M. Bonnet added that Lord Halifax, British Foreign Minister, had informed him that Britain would not accept any infringement of Spanish territorial integrity. He declared that the Franco-British axis was as strong as any in Europe. For this reason France wanted to see Britain develop her military power to the maximum and Britain wished France to do the same. Integrity Of Empire. “France is determined to maintain the integrity of her empire,” went on M. Bonnet. “Let there be no ambiguity. Nobody may lay a finger on the Empire. France will not permit any attempt against what has been built up by French blood and bravery, and will keep her independence and her territories intact.” Alluding to the Far East, he said that the Government was determined not to allow any attack against French interests. "We shall not admit that an agreement like the Treaty of Washington can be unilaterally denounced,” be said. The engagements with the Soviet and Poland continued, said M. Bonnet, and must be carried out in the spirit in which they were contracted. In conclusion, he said that France had recovered her influence, and was ready for any eventuality.

FOREIGN WARSHIPS BOMBED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 26. A Paris message says it is reported from Toulouse that British, American and French warships anchored off Caldetas for the purpose of evacuating foreigners were- bombed early this morning by nationalist warplanes. Bombs fell all round the ships, but. none was hit.