FRENCH POLICY

Evening Star, Issue 20982, 22 December 1931, Page 9

FRENCH POLICY

PRIME MINISTER’S DECLARATION YOUNG PLAN MUST STAND Press Association—By Telegraph— Copyright. PARIS, December 20. Emphasising that circumstances would compel all Governments to practise national protection while proclaiming the necessity for international cooperation. M. Laval, speaking at a meeting, said: “It is not enough to increase tariffs; wo must protect the home market by quotas, acting with great caution in order to prevent an undue lowering. of imports in which the trade balance must bo a guide.” Referring to reparations, M. Laval declared that Franco at the forthcoming conference would adopt the attitude that Germany’s position could be estimated for the period of the economic depression, and she would refuse to agree that .reparations should bo sacrificed to private debts.' He added: “In view of the American attitude, the Governments which have been dallying with the audacious theory of the cancellation of war debts and reparations will doubtless be less eager to uphold it.” A listener interjected: “Hold fasti” M. Laval replied, amid cheers: “ That’s my habit, and I do hot intend to allow the Young Plan to be torn up.” He added that France, at the Disarmament Conference, would show that the country hated war, and that her army was intended solely as a defensive measure. She would not refuse to consider schemes of mutual assistance, but she would not compromise on security.