PEACE PACT

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 7 January 1928, Page 5

PEACE PACT

FRENCH OPINION CHANGES.

XT.S.A. PROPOSALS FAVOURED. AMERICA AND THE LEAGUE. by cable-press association— copyright PARIS, Jan. 5. French. opinion on Mr F. B. Kellogg’s proposals for a, peace pact has changed. The proposals are now regarded even with favour. The change is the result of study of the full text, from which it does not appear that Mr Kellogg wishes to replace the pact between France and the United States by a world pact as the summary seemed) to imply. • 4 Lo Temps’’ says: ‘‘There is not an objection in principle to the United States opening negotiations with other Powers entirely distinct from the Pranco-American negotiations'. The only essential is that the pacts should harmonise with the Geneva Conference, to which Mr Kellogg’s proposals may bring the United States nearer. She for the first time is willing to unite with the Powers which made themselves guardians of the peace.” The ‘‘Journal des Debats” says: ‘ ‘ We must always encourage any initiative against war from Washington.”

SATISFACTION IN AMERICA. AMENDMENTS TO PLAN WILL BE CONSIDERED. WASHINGTON, Jan. 5. The seeming shift of sentiment in French Government circles in favour of the principle of the American proposal for a multilateral treaty renouncing war, is accepted in official circles hero to-day with unmixed satisfaction. Whatever reactions France might have towards the plan, as far as the League of Nations or treaties with European States are concerned, it is believed the Poincare Government could not afford to be placed in a false light by an outright and immediate rejection of the proposal. Some changes in the Kellogg plan may be suggested as a result of French Cabinet deliberation, and if so these will bo received in a spirit of accommodation. The State Department has indicated that it. is prepared to consider sympathetically any amendments of the proposal it has made.