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Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 8, 10 January 1912, Page 7

The question of a reorganisation of the various departments at the Quai d'Orsay was discussed when the Foreign Office Vote was taken in the Chamber 'of Deputies on 30th' November. Several speakers referred *o what they described as the administrative and financial disorder which, in their opinion, • had been disclosed by recent incidents in the service. The Reporter for the Foreign Office Estimates, M. Paul Deschanel, who endorsed these remarks, suggested that the principle of unity of direction, which imposed upon the Director of the Political Department sole responsibility for all current affairs, had been carried too far. The duties of this official ought to be distributed. In England there was a Permanent Under-Secretary, who represented the traditions of the Foreign OIHC6, and who was responsible for maintaining Continuity of policy. He had three assistants, and the work of the department' Was subdivided. This was the direction in which a solution of the problem ought to be sought, 1 Notwithstanding cases of individual failure the French Foreign Office service had played a great and noble part in th« history of France, and if it jrere encouraged to maintain its high Traditions French diplomacy, with the aid of France's alliances and friendships, might be trusted to bring the country safely through the crises of the future. The Foreign Minister, M. de Selves, replied that the recent negotiations with Germany had taken up most of his time since he assumed office four months ago, and that he had been compelled to make the best of the existing organisation. He Lad, however, instituted a commission of three Ambassadors to make recommendations on the subject. While reserving his decision until the enquiry had been completed, he expressed agreement with M. Deschanel's suggestion that there ought to be a permanent official at the head of the department. An institution of this kind would make -for continuity and co-ordination. A Minister endowed with a sense of responsibility could "not possibly fear that he might be, placed in the background. He pledged himself to settle the question in conformity with the best interests of the country and the service. ' -