FRENCH POLICY

Inangahua Times, 3 December 1934, Page 3

FRENCH POLICY

EUROPEAN PEACE. SOVIET COOPERATION. (United press Assn—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) PARIS, December 1. France fully agrees with the Soviet regarding co-operation to safeguard European peace, especially in the East, said Mr. Laval, speaking on tie foreign policy in the Chamber, but France will not substitute a bilaterrl agreement for international collaboration. Germany will again be invited under terms of equality with other countries to participate in a pact for Eastern mutual assistance. She can

be assured the same guarantee that she will give her associates irr such a pact. “I still hope that Geimany will collaborate with us and re-enter the League, otherwise her moral responsibility will increase. Laval added. Regarding the Saar, France will accept an international verdict. France’s policy has always been to remain within the League’s orbit. Bouillon said. * ‘France was in danger of falling into two errors, the belief that there was a new Germany. and secondly, the belief that Geneva was sufficient to ensure peace. France must strengthen her military forces. We are the most threatened race in the world.” Jean Goy said, *‘A policy of despair means war for us ex-service-men.” There is a possibility of negotiations with Germany. Why not talk since the hand is held out. Tha will not prevent us being -vigilant. The speech had a mixed reception and the debate was adjourned. Laval also made an important pro-

nouncement on France’s attitude to--'wards the Saar, in response to a question by the Socialist Deputy. Fontainer, asking whether the plebiscite favoured the status quo and whether Laval proposed that the Saar should Ultimately return to Germany when the Hitlerite tyranny «ended.

Laval pointed out. that if the status quo is maintained, the League Council will be the ruler of the Saar population, of which it could always appeal to the League for a return to Ger many. France would not oppose a return in such an event.

Blum demanded that Laval revive the disarmament policy and declared that some may admire Hitlerism, which only fills us with horror and execration. We consider it barbaric regression, but in the interests of peace we are prepared to shake hands, even though the hands are covered with blood. Neither France nor Europe will know security before the armaments* race ends. He added that I*aval and himself mu't take the initiative and revive the interrupted disarmament conversations with Ger many an- 1 make constructive proposals. Military air craft should be suppressed and civil aviation neutralised.