FRANCE UPHOLDS LEAGUE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 246, 14 September 1935, Page 7

FRANCE UPHOLDS LEAGUE

M LAVAL SUPPORTS BRITAIN TENSE ATMOSPHEBE AT GENEVA (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) GENEVA, Sept. 13. In a tense atmosphere, M. Laval, in a ten-minute speech, revealed France’s view of the crisis. “Everybody has to take responsibility for the present grave situation,” he said. “I do so on behalf of France. I declare our faith in the Covenant. We cannot fail in our obligations, and we bring a contribution that is enthusiastic and considered. We have confidence that the people will realise their hope of peace. There have been moments of deception, but we shall carry on from the Protocol of 1924 to the Disarmament Conference of 1932. The doctrine of collective security has been France’s doctrine, and it will remain so. How can we let it die i All reason and justice would be against it.”

COLLABORATION WITH BRITAIN

Continuing, M. Laval said: “All the agreements we liavo with our allies and friends, Locarno, the Rome accord, the Franco-Soviet agreement, and the treaties with the Little Entente, are based on Geneva, and any damage to Geneva will damage our security. Sir Samuel Hoare showed the British determination to stand by the League. No Power can regard these words more warmly than France, and none better knows their value. Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech is an historic date in the League’s annals. We rejoiced at the close collaboration with the British in the defence of peace and the safeguarding of Europe. I belong to a country which hates war, and despite its high military qualities it is animated by a firm will for i>eace for all by collaboration. BASIS OF TREATIES. “We signed an agreement at Rome with Signor Mussolini that definitely set aside all that might divide us. We are now faced with the present dispute. Again at Stresa, with Britain we met Italy in the same desire to serve the cause of peace. We are ready to persevere in that collaboration in an atmosphere of solidarity for the realisation, not only of international, but European, peace. I am determined, in the supreme effort the Council is now making to find a solution and fulfil my duty as a member of the League and a friend of Italy. Everything will be done to satisfy the legitimate requirements of Italy which can be done, having regard to the rights of League members. No discord exists between Britain and France in search of a peaceful settlement, lie succeeded in the Saar and also in the Yugoslav-Hungarian dispute, and we will try to achieve the same success now. Our obligations are in the Covenant and France will not withdraw from them, but will make the ' League’s moral authority stronger.” BRITISH CONGRATULATIONS. M. Laval left tlio rostrum amid applause, Sir Samuel Hoare warmly shaking him by the hand. Sir Samuel Hoare embarked by aeroplane for Britain.