French Stand During Crisis

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 236, 6 October 1938, Page 5

French Stand During Crisis

“We Chose Peace” M. DALADIER’S STATEMENT TO DEPUTIES United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. PARIS, Oct. 4. A crowded Chamber of Deputies gave an ovation to M. Daladier, who declared, “We saved peace." He defined the Government’s attitude during the crisis as animated by two desires. First a desire not to be compelled to £ake military action; Kocondly, a wish to fulfil its word. If that hope disappointed, M. Daladier said, they had the alternative of saying “No” to the German demands, thus pushing the Czech Government into obstinacy, and the Gorman Government to aggression, provoking a conflict which would have rapidly destroyed Czechoslovakia, or of trying to find a compromise. “We chose peace," he paid, “resulting in the Anglo-French plan which, despite painful propositions submitted to Czechoslovakia, secured a British guarantee." M. Daladier was loudly cheered when he paid tribute to Mr. Chamberlain’s efforts for peace. Further cheers greeted a statement by M. Daladier that he did not regret accepting Herr Hitler's invitation, and his praise for the Czech sacrifices. “I am aware of the German esteem for France," continued M. Daladier. “We must feel esteem for a great people, our neighbours, who were our enemies, but with whom we should be able to live in durable peace. It is not our intention to substitute new for old and tried friendships, but we want to make new friendships." xvx. Daiaaier, referring to Czechoslovakia, said that certainly the Munich agreement made the territory smaller, out the Czech Republic could freely pursue its life. “We will help it." He emphasised the need for working out a basis for a general settlement in order to maintain peace. Frenchmen must consider themselves permanently mobilised. A number of Deputies demanded a debate on M. Daladier’s statement, which M. Daladier refused, saying he would make the matter a vote of confidence. Mr. Chamberlain Thanked. Thanking Mr. Chamberlain for his message, M. Daladier stated: “The message profoundly touched the French nation. Your feelings correspond with mine. France, during the crisis, felt the Anglo-French bonds of cordial friendship and esteem still tighter. Like my compatriots, I admired your burning desire for peace and of your great and firm comprehension of vital Anglo-French interests and France’s particular obligations. Our :ollaboration does not exclude any 3 ther understanding. I am convinced it will remain the surest pledge of future aeace." M. Daladier, after , his speech, demanded • postponement of the foreign affairs debate, announcing that the Government would give the headb of groups 15 minutes each to explain their positions, but prohibited a debate. The confusion which followed ne? cessitated a quarter of an hour’s suspension of the sitting.