NO CONCESSIONS!

Evening Star, Issue 23177, 28 January 1939, Page 15

NO CONCESSIONS!

FRANCE STANDS FIRM UNRUFFLED BY ITALIAN THREATS PATRIOTIC ENTHUSIASM IN CHAMBER Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, January 27. M. Daladier spoke stern words to Italy in the Chamber of Deputies debate, in which M. Bonnet made his speech. M. Daladier said that France had hoard threatenin'; words from Italy in complete calm. She had the strength to enable her to receive such insults calmly. Wherever French interests were concerned France must meet the demands with a categorical “ No.” Not an inch of territory will be ceded. “ France cannot tolerate any attempt against her territorial integrity, against her African colonial empire, or against her free communications, whether maritime or otherwise, between the metropolis and her empire.” Deputies rose, cheering thunderously. M. Daladier continued: “ I am well aware of the gravity of the present circumstances when 1 affirm that this our task to-morrow, will be hard and formidable, i ask France to be unanimous in the defence of our material empire and our ideals in a world in which force plays so large a part.” The Chamber again indulged in an outburst of patriotic enthusiasm, and then ended the long foreign affairs debate by passing a vote of confidence in the Government by 360 to 234 votes, after which the following motion was carried by 609 votes to,nil, thus emphasising that the whole nation was behind M. Daladier’s refusal of the Italian claims. “ The Chamber approves the Government’s declaration and is confident in its vigilance to maintain the integrity of the French empire and the safety of imperial routes.” CONTACTS ALMOST BROKEN LONDON, January 27. The 1 Daily Telegraph’s ’ Home correspondent says contacts between Italy and France have almost ceased to exist and trade has further declined. The Italian and French Association, formed to symbolise friendship, has been broken up.