LETTER OF THE TREATY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2693, 10 July 1923, Page 5

LETTER OF THE TREATY.

FRANCE AND ARMAMENTS. PRESIDENT COMPLAINS OF FRAUD. FRUITS OF VICTORY SNATCHED. [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday, 8.15 p.m.) PARIS, July S. During the debate in the Chamber which resulted in the ratification of the Washington Treaty, M. Briand and M. Poincare agreed that the fixed figures for capital ships did not affect other units, and France's liberty was not hound so far as light cruisers, torpedo boats and submarines were concerned. M. Berthon, a Gommun'st, said France's post-war abstention from warship building was due solely to financial reasons and added sarcastically that no one foresaw the present difficulties with Britain and Italy. M. Poincare heatedly intervened and declared: "This is an abominable statement, which may be misinterpreted abroad. It. is ridiculous to pretend we want to build cruisers and submarines against Britain and Italy. We are forearming against the menace which may come in the future from Germany." "L'Echo de Paris" London correspondent declares that the British Cabinet meets early to decide whether it Is worth while continuing the conversions, regarding the formation of a Frans-Belgian bloc. In the event of a breakdown of negotiations, the formation of Franco-Belgian and Anglo-Italian blocs for the purpose of negotiating with Germany is regarded as the most likely outcome. President Millerand, while speaking at Puy-de-Dome, said nothing would make France abandon her methods or her goal. Victory had not yet been won because the fruits of victory were still being disputed by fraud and trickery. If the vanquished were allowed to baffle the victors, there was no such thing as justice or right in the world. "Lc Temps," In commenting on Lieut -Col. Amery's and Mr Austen Cbamberlain's speeches, says that the. mere fact that the occupation of the Ruhr appeared contrary to British interests does not g : ve Britain the right to oppose it. The occupation was carried out in accordance with the Treatv, which Britain had signed. Britain could not agreed to treaties; as applicable on'y when they were; not against British interests. LITTLE BENEFIT TO FRANCE. TIME BRITAIN HAD A SAY. LONDON, July 8. Mr Neville Chamberlain, speaking at Birmingham, said that the Ruhr occupation had been of little benefit to France and it had perceptibly diminished Germany's capacity to pay the reparations. The situation could not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. The issue concerned not France alone, and the time had come for more definite steps to reach a settlement before a complete collapse of Central Europe. Lieut.-Col. Amery said that the Ruhr situation had become so serious that we were bound soon to assert ouv views more definitely.