France Would Help in Just Settlement

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 111, 13 May 1939, Page 5

France Would Help in Just Settlement

Fhreats Will Not Weaken Her Determination WAR NO SOLUTION United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. PARIS, May 11. The French Premier, M. Daladier, issued a statement in the Chamber of Deputies. lie said that France was determined to resist for as long as necessary all tests aimed at weakening her moral resistance. France did not know hate, but felt sincere sympathy with all people. She knew from experience that war would not solve the present problems but would, on the contrary, make their solution more difficult and more ruinous Others knew that France did nol threaten them. She wished to collaborate with all and dominate none. Anglo-French solidarity, M. Daladiei added, was closer and more confident than ever. It remained the basis ol French policy and could not b« weakened by intrigue and propaganda France considered that participation by the Soviet in the common work ol mutual assistance was essentially desirable. France was not thinking of reducing her military measures, but rather of reinforcing them if certain massive mobilisations were maintained beyond the French frontiers. Some people, he said, hoped thal France would allow herself •to be demoralised by an alternation of threat! and promises. Her determination had not been weakened and would no: weaken. If a just and equitable peace were desired, France was ready to make it but if a blow were aimed at peace the enemies of France would have a taste of the weight of French arms. M. Daladier, In reviewing the British and French guarantees in Europe, said’ “France considers it indispensable thal England and France should share these obligations. We desire peace and respect for rights. All violence and threats will lead to catastrophe. “Prospects of French bankruptcy and inflation,” he added, “have been averted.” Members of the Chamber of Deputle* applauded stormily. M. Daladier, in insisting on an immediate debate, declared that it was essential that the world should be aware of French opinion by tomorrow evening. In a passage believed to be directed to Yugoslavia, M. Daladier invited all peaceful countries to join the AngloFrench guarantee system. There is no significance in the debate. The Government is assured of s majority. FRANCE'S MORALE CANNOT BE UNDERMINED

MILLION MEN WORKING FOR NATIONAL DEFENCE Received Saturday, 12.5 a.in. PARIS, May 12. In liis. speech M. Daladier said that France to-day was a huge workshop wherein a million men were working ceaselessly for national dofonce. * 1 Our duty is to think of our country alone tind take those virile decisions which its safety demands,” he declared. Referring to tho recent pacts, M. Daladier said he invited all peaceful nations to collaborate, pointing out that France on March 20 took the initiative in informing Rumania that if she were attacked France would immediately assist. He had also similarly assured Greece, and following the Anglo-Poflsh guarantee, gave tho same pledge to Poland.

M. Daladier concluded: “There are those hoping that France is invincible when united and might be demoralised by altrenative threats of war and promises of peace. They think they can wear us down by a now form of warfare without battle—warfare of uncertainty, repeated anxiety and disappointed hopes. If between peace and war anyone hopes to wear us down, I say that we stand fast as long as need be. Neither force nor cunning shall prevail against France.” Tho speech was broadcast in French, English, German, Italian, Serb, Croat, Spanish, Portuguese, Rumanian and Arabic.