CLEARING THE WAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 17, 22 January 1919, Page 3

CLEARING THE WAY

RECONCILING ALLIED VIEWS. GUARANTEES FOR FRANCE. VANCOUVER, Jan. 2. “While the series of informal conferences between ,-enre.sentati vei of the Allied nations has been carried on in complete secrecy, *thcr© arc not Itickinflf plain surface indications of the currents running below,” says Mr John W. Dafoe ,editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, who is accompanying Sir Robert Borden “Much light has been throws* upon the character of these conversations and of the difficu (ties which they have revealed, by Mr Wilson’s series of addresses in England and by the frank statements in the French Chamber by M. Pichon (Foreign Minister), and M. Clemenceau (the Prime Minister), mid by tho Cabinet crisis in Italy. M. Cie* menceua’s speech, which was noth guarded and frank, is interpreted as being .in effect, a warning that France, after her terrible experiences, cannot rely upon the League of Nations, unless it takes a form which will afford her an absolute guarantee of protection. M Clemenceau’« report ‘of his conversation with Mr litoyd George shows that the acceptance of the League ox Nations idea was made conditional for France by security on land, and lor Britain hv security on sea. “That in both France and Italy there are formidable movement* for the gratification of national ambitions is im-v cated by M. Pichon’s statement *»•<! the resignation of Signer Bi'soh ) (Italian Minister for Pensions). M. Pwhon s speech was in reply to the demind that the French Government should mck ar. the Peace Conference the extension or France to the left bank of the Rhine, while iSitrnor BtssohUti’s retirement is interpreted as indicating his disapproval of the proposals with regard to Dalmatia and its hinterland, which Italv will, submit to the Allied Conference. Th-re is no feeling of alarm at these revel actions of difficulties, but rather a satisfaction that .these difference* are being frankly recognised. The intense desire, of all’is that the close reationshm between the four great Allies, which, r - Clemenceau voiced, will ensure -a satisfactory adjustment of their differences.” ,