POLICY FOR FRANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 306, 24 November 1945, Page 6

POLICY FOR FRANCE

ALL-ROUND FRIENDSHIP.

(Rec. 1.55 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 23. “France is resolved to play an active part in the creation and development of the United Nations Organisation, but, if international understanding is at any time obscure, she intends to make every effort to clear it up,” declared General de Gaulle, outlining the new Government’s programme and foreign policy to the Constituent Assembly.

“France, placed as she is in’Europe, Asia and Africa, turns traditionally and simultaneously to both the East and the West,” he said. “She can and will be a bond between them, but at no price a pawn.” Prolonged applause followed Gen-, eral de Gaulle’s declaration. He had already received a great ovation when he entered the Chamber, wearing a civilian suit, all the Deputies rising to their feet and cheering as he mounted the rostrum.

General de Gaulle said France’s foreign policy was already anchored on the Russian treaty. He envisaged an accord with England, the fostering of relations with America, the resumption of - the pre-war friendship with Italy, the tightening of the bonds with Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg and the resumption of relations with Spain when she became democratic.

“We are making every effort to reach a real agreement with Britain, which will be the key to our future just as it secured our past in thh East, in Africa and in the Far East,” he said. Turning to urgent reforms at home, General de Gaulle said the Government would immediately place before the Assembly Bills for the nationalisation of credit, electricity and insurance. It was no less urgent to proceed with the reforming of the judiciary, the public service, and the national service and defence structures, prepare the Budget, modernise mining, agriculture and industries and consider the revaluation of France. General de Gaulle, who spoke for 25 minutes, finished amid tremendous cheers. The Assembly passed , a vote of confidence in the Government by acclamation.