THE OLIVE BRANCH

Evening Star, Issue 21570, 16 November 1933, Page 11

THE OLIVE BRANCH

FRENCH RELATIONS WITH GERMANY MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, November 15. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Franklin Bouillon warned the Government against disarmament without a period of probation or control. M. Daladier (Minister of War) said there would be no question of reducing the term of military service unless there was a great transformation in Europe. M. Sarraut (Prime Minister) summed up the Government’s policy as fearlessness, peace via Geneva, and an understanding with Germany. The Government, above all, must maintain its sangfroid. Its policy of peace was not panicky, but Franco demanded security. He confirmed M. Boncour’s statement that the Government would not*be deal to any offer of serving the cause of peace. He was glad to observe that the Chamber was against preventing war by the system of alliances. France could only disarm under certain conditions. France never closed her doors against Germany’s economic expansion. The question of equality could be settled loyally and honestly on the condition of guarantee of security. Conversations must be conducted in broad international daylight through normal channels. A vote of confidence in the Government was passed by 395 votes to 194. THE FOREIGN MINISTER'S SPEECH PARIS, November 14. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Boncour (Minister of Foreign Affairs), replying to Herr Hitler, said France was ready to talk at any time, but FrancoGerman agreement must culminate at Geneva. Germany’s wild national enthusiasm threatened European order and stability, and it was not surprising that Germany’s neighbours wore anxious. If Germany rearmed France would continue to arm, and it would be a death race. Nevertheless, any concrete German proposal woujd be considered “ in the spirit with which we have always treated a great country on whoso relations with France European peace mainly depends. We will not do anything except in agreement with our co-partners in pacta concluded in the broad daylight of the League.” Reviewing the international situation, he added that the Locarno Pact was intact, and Britain’s reservations to it, made to satisfy public opinion, were perfectly correct. The Three-Power Pact dissipated Franco-ltalian misunderstanding. He was not certain whether Germany’s withdrawal from the League invalidated it. France regarded Austria’s independence as essential to European stability. The FrancoRussian relations were improving, and it was hoped soon to 'settle outstanding financial and economic questions. He added that; contrary to Herr Hitler’s statement, even the Saar need not divide Franco and Germany. All three needed each other economically. It was Franco’s duty to protect her nationals in the Saar, and the combined duty of Franco and the League to see that the plebiscite was sincere. Deputies of the Left and the Centre cheered the speech.