L'ENTENTE CORDIALE

Evening Star, Issue 12964, 29 May 1908, Page 6

L'ENTENTE CORDIALE

Prees Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. GRAND OPERA PERFORMANCE. A POPULAR WELCOME. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. LONDON, May 28. A gala performance at Coveht Garden Opera-house was attended by King Edward, Queon Alexandra, President Fallieres, the Prince of Wales, most of the Royal Family, the rank and fashion of England, and the Maharajah of Ncpanl. The' first act of ' I Pescatori di Perle' and the garden scene in 'Faust' enabled Madame Tcttrazzini and Madame Melba respectively to appear to great advantage. A large party of the officers and crews of tho Leon Gambetta and French destroyers were entertained in London, and visited tho Exhibition. There was brilliant sunshine, and immense and enthusiastic crowds gave President Fallieres a magnificent demonstration during his progress to the Guildhall. The Lord Mayor's reception was attended by many of the most distinguished men in the United "Kingdom, including Mr Asquith. Mr Balfour, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In responding to the Recorder's address of welcome, President Fallieres said he rejoiced to see the cordial relations between the two countries drawing daily closer. The Prince of Wales and Prince and Princess Christian attended tho banquet. The Lnrd Mnyor proposed "The Health of President Fallieres," who, on rising to respond, met with an ovation. He gracefully described London as a hearth from which radiated generous and liberal ideas and the indefeasible principles of all progress and civilisation. He referred to the sentiments of trust and lively sympathy animating France and Great Britain. The Government of the Republic strove with all their might to strengthen the happy relations of friendship and business uniting the two countries. He also referred to the brilliant success of the Exhibition.

NO ALLIANCES WANTED. OUT-OF-PLACE SPECULATIONS. LONDON, May 28. (Received May 29, at 8.10 a.m.) Referring to the speculations of the French newspapers. The Times' remarks that the King and Queen's proposed visit to Russia had helped to foster the illusion that President Fallieres's visit to London was likely to be followed by some great development in international affairs. The paper thinks that such speculations are wholly out of place. While Great Britain "ill unflinchingly adhere to the spirit and letter of the entente, ' The Times' fails to see any grounds of sound policy for endeavoring at present to give it wider scope and a more formal character. Such efforts would defeat their own object, and cause misconstructions.

PRESS COMMENTS. LONDON, May 28. (Received May 29, at 8.15 a.m.) The 'Daily News' (G.) would regard a specific alliance as a disaster for European peace, even if the Republic proved more accommodating than the 'Temps,' and did not insist on England substituting conscription for a voluntary army. The 'Daily Telegraph' (0.) says that whatever the future may bring forth, for the present the entente must suffice. The 'Morning Post' (0.) says that the question whether the friendship is to culminate in a partnership must not be lightly or hurriedly treated. The 'Daily Chronicle' (G.) says that the present cordial understanding may become an alliance, but there is no occasion to force the pace or to anticipate the future. FOREIGN MINISTERS CONFER. LONDON, May 28. (Received May 29, at 8.15 a.m.) M. Pichon, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a long interview with Sir Edward Grey, when a complete agreement on all questions was established.