President Loubet’s Visit to England.

Manawatu Herald, 11 July 1903, Page 2

President Loubet’s Visit to England.

President Loubet dined at Buckingham Palace. King Edward, in proposing the toast of his health, said the warmth of the President's reception showed that all Classes Were really friendly to France, which ought to be England’s best neighbour. President Loubet replied that he was touched With the reception accorded to him as France’s representative. Paris treasured the memory of King Edward’s recent visit, and he was certain that it would serve in a high degree to draw closer the relations between the two nations, to their common good and the guarantee of the peace of the world. President Loubet visited the French Institution, and received a number of deputations, including one from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and another from foreign dipldmatistS. Responding to the toast of bis health at the Guildhall luncheon, the President said that a cordial understanding and a sense of common interests should inspire both nations to a spirit of conciliation and accomniodation. lie emphasised the fact that the presence of M. Delcasse, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, was a pledge of the value France attached to the promotion of friendship between the tWo countries. The Times says that it is full of significance that tne rulers. of the Comm mwealth hoisted the French and English flags at Melbourne simultaneously. The paper adds that President Loubet’s welcome shows that be is the Empire’s guest. The German press minimises the warmth of President Loubet’s reception in England, declaring it to be only a reciprocal act of courtesy .which does not amount to friendship. The newspaper Debate says that the President’s reception surpassed all expectations. La Temps- says the beneficent rapprochement indicates that happy and fruitful diplomacy will terminate bygone mis under s tan dings,