FRENCH PREMIER'S SPEECH

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 24 May 1917, Page 8

FRENCH PREMIER'S SPEECH

NO FEAR IF RUSSIA DOES HER DUTY.

SUBMARINE PERIL GREATLY LESSENED.

(Received May 24, 10 a.m.) PARIS, May 23. M. Ribot's speech in the Chamber created a deep impression, particularly the • passages insisting that the formula of "no annexa+ions and no indeHHii'ty" does not apply to restitution based upon right and justice. M. Ribot added that there was no question of a war indemnity to be - placed upon the vanquished nations as though it were a* fine. "The whole world," he said, "shall judge our case. The nightmare has lasted too long, and we must destroy military despotism. Let Russia take the offensive while the United States is getting ready to send her first divisions. If Russia does .her duty we need have no fear." Replying to numerous interpellations regarding the offensive, M. Pibot said that perhaps faults had baen committed," but perhaps the French people expected too much. "Nevertheless," he wsnt on, "we have forced all the German reserves to cpme out against us; otherwise the Germans would themselves have attacked. Notice has been taken of faults committed, and changes have b?an made. The- submarine menace is f [ill a big question, but recent statistics show that the peril has been greatly lessen v *l." M. Ribot's reference to Alsace and Lorraine was received with tumultuous cheers. N , Continuing, he said: "We are not! opposed to the expansion of Germany after the war. Very soon, when the ; Russian army is again fighting, Germany will demand peace in a straightforward manner, and if not we know how to impose peace."