FRENCH VIEW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22214, 14 September 1935, Page 13

FRENCH VIEW

M. LAVAL'S SPEECH FAITH IN COVENANT GEAVI'I RESPONSIBILITY ACCEPTANCE 0E SHARE r FIRM STAND TAKEN By 7Y]p£rr?iph—Prean Association—Copyright (Received September 14, 1.15 a.m.) GENEVA, Sept, 13 In a tense atmosphere at the League Assembly to-day M. Laval, in a 10 minutes' speech, revealed France's view of the Abyssinian crisis. "Everybody has to take responsibility in fhe present grave situation," said the French Prime Minister, "I do so, and on behalf of France T declare our faith in the Covenant. v " We cannot fail in our obligations. Wo bring a contribution that is enthusiastic and considered. Wo have confidence that the peoplo will realise their hope of peace. " There have been moments of deception, but we shall carry on from the protocol of 1924 to the Disarmament Conference of 1932. The doctrine of collective security has been Franco's doctrine and it will remain so. How can we let it die? All reason and justice would be against it.

"All the agreementsVe have with our •11 ics and friends —Locarno, the feme accord, the Franco-Soviet agreement and the treaties with tho Little Entente States —are based on Geneva, and any damage to Geneva would damage our security. Sir Samuel Hoare showed Britain's determination to stand by the League.' No Power regards these %Vords more warmly than France. None better knows their value. "Sir Samuel's speech marks a historic vdate in the annals of the League. We rejoice at close collaboration with Britain in defence of peace and in safeguarding Europe. "I belong to a country which hates war, in spite of its high military qualities. It is animated by a firm will for peace for all by the collaboration of all."

PEACEFUL MOTIVES ITALIAN ASPIRATIONS ALL TO BE CONSIDERED (.Received September J. 4, 1.25 a.m.) GENEVA. Sept. 13 Continuing his speech, M. Laval said: "We signed an agreement in Rome with Signor Mussolini that definitely eet aside all that might divide us. We are now faced with the present dispute. "Again jit Stresa, with Britain, we met Italy in the same desire to serve the cause of peace. We are ready to persevere in that collaboj-ation in an atmosphere of solidarity for the realisation not only of international but European peace. " France is determined, in the supreme effort the Council is now making, to find a solution and to fulfil her duty as a member of the League and a friend of Italy. Everything will be done to satisfy the legitimate requirements of Italy which can be done, having regard to the rights of members of the League. • "No disaccord exists between Britain and France in the search for a peaceful settlement. We succeeded in the matter of the Saar, also in the dispute between Yugoslavia and Hungary. We will try to achieve, the same success now. " Our obligations are in the Covenant, and France will not withdraw from them. We wish to make the League's moral authority stronger." M. Laval left the rostrum amid applause, and Sir Samuel Hoare warmly shook him by the hand. Sir Samuel left by aeroplane at 11.30 a.m. for London.

KESPECT FOR BRITAIN SIR S. HOARE IMPRESSED REVIEW OF SITUATION GENEVA, B?pt. 12 Sir Samuel Hoare, in a broadcast speech to-day, expressed the opinion that although the situation in regard to the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia is no bettor, it is no worse. He said his niost vivid recent impression is the respect in which Britain and the Empire are held throughout the world. I lelt .repeatedly the weight of the 'fcsponsibility of representing the Government to which so many countries looking for advice," said Sir Samuel. "1 have done my best to express the typical British point of Vlew . especially Britain's desire to live let live. 'i hope that while doing justice to Abyssinia we will remain friends with Jtaly, where 1 personally served during the Great War. 1 have a great admiration tor Italians and their progress in recent years. Whatever bitter words a\o been said, they are the words of a friend." Referring to raw materials, Sir, amue l said the British Empire must te weniber its responsibility and its B r «at possessions, and must not be finipted t° "so its advantage churlishly i °r selfislilp I