ENGLAND AND FRANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 27 January 1939, Page 5

ENGLAND AND FRANCE

ENTENTE NEVER CLOSER DIRECTED TOWARDS PEACE SPEECH BY M. BONNET fU.P A.~By Electric Telegraph—Copy r tali tl • Received 27th January. 9 45 a.m.) PARIS, 20th January. M. Bonnet. Foreign Minister, speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, said: “England and France ask nothing from anyone, but intends to preserve their patrimonies. Tks Entente was never so close. It is directed towards peace, but in the event of war all the forces of France will be plr.-ed at the disposal of Britain. Similarly all the forces of Britain will be placed at the disposal of France." M Bonnet reiterated that the policy of non-intervention in Spain was unchanged. SPANISH QUESTION Referring to Spain, he said the part Italy was taking could not be ignored, but the arguments against intervention remained "We consider it is for the Spaniards lo settle (heir own affairs. We will nol allow our communications with North Africa to be endangered by foreign troops in Spain, or from Morocco or the Spanish islands. When he informed our British friends of this viewpoint, they perfectly understood us.

Britain’s attitude has been perfectly loyal. France has her interests to defend in Spain. We cannot allow any State to interfere in Spain to the extent of threatening French integrity. The Burgos Government has let it be known that it will not allow any foreign power to settle in the country. Britain is no

less menaced regarding Malta and Gibraltar. I can therefore affirms that there is complete Anglo-French solidarity on this question." M. Bonnet added that Lord Halifax. British Foreign Minister, informed him that Britain would not accept any infringement of Spanish territorial integrity. M. Bonnet declared that the FrancoBritish axis was as strong as any in Europe. For this reason Franee wants jto see Britain develop her military power to the maximum and Britain wishes France to do the same PLAIN WORDS | "Iranee is determined to maintain Ihe j Integrity of her Empire. Let there be {no ambiguity. Nobody may lay a fln--1 ger on the empire. France will not permit any attempt against what has been built up by French blood and bravery, and will keep her independence and her territories intact." Alluding to the Far East M. Bonnet said the Government was determined not to allow any attack against French interests. "We shall not admit that an agreement like the Treaty of Washington can be unilaterally denounced. Engagements with the Soviet and Poland will continue and must be carried out in the spirit in which they were contracted. I M. Bonnet concluded: ! “France has recovered her influence ! and is ready for any eventuality.” ! The Chamber of Deputies will vote j on a confidence motion as follows: "The ! Chamber approves of the Government's • declaration and is confident in its vigilance to maintain the integrity of the French Empire and the safety of her imperial routes."