FRENCH POLICY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23145, 17 September 1938, Page 15

FRENCH POLICY

EUROPEAN ARENA' GESTURE TO GERMANY OPPOSITION PROPOSAL LIFTING EXPANSION BAR By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received September 16, 8.15 p.m.) PARIS, Sept, 15 The Spokesman for the Opposition, M. Flandin, proposes a reduction of France's commitments in Central and East Europe, provided that Germany respects the territorial integrity of the States in those regions. By this means, says M. Flandin, all barriers to German political and economic expansion would be lifted and the emphasis of French foreign policy would be shifted from Europe to the colonies. NATIONAL PRAYER SUPPLICATION FOR PEACE: ARCHBISHOP'S CALL DUTY OF CHRISTIANS - British Wireless RUGBY, Sept. 15; A call to national prayers for peaca was issued to-day by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Langt, in the following terms: "The next few. days will be fraught with grave issues on which the peace of Europe may depend. "At such a time the first clear duty of all Christian people is to lay these issues before God in humble prayer that they may be controlled in accord-, ance with His will and that nations, may be delivered from the calamity of war. I ask therefore that next Sunday be observed as a day of national prayer. "Events have moved so sjriftlv that it has not been possible? to consult with leaders of other religions and communions than my own, but I feel sure they will readily co-operate, and

I have reason to hope that they may, in such ways as they think fit, invite those whom they represent to take part in an act of united intercession."SCENE IN THE ABBEY THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR PROCESSION PAST TOMB LONDON, Sept. 15. A remarkable feature of the opening at Westminster Abbey of three days of _ continuous prayer for peace was the persistence of the people in the queue in filing past the Lnknown Warrior's grave, beside which many preferred to pray. The Prime Ministers wife, Mrs. Chamberlain, was one of the earliest to attend, just after the entire night staff of nurses from Westminster Hospital.

SERVICES IN AUCKLAND Prayers for the preservation of peace, in Europe will be offered in Auckland churches to-morrow and in many cases special services of intercession for peace will be held. An appeal has been made by the Council of Christian Congregations to all who lead in Christian worship to pray for a peaceful settle-, ment of the present European crisis. DOMINION'S SUPPORT EVENT OF CONFLICT ASSURANCE BY OPPOSITION [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Friday An assurance that in the event of the British Commonwealth being involved in Avar the Government could rely on the full co-operation of the Opposition to see that New Zealand faced up to its responsibility was given by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, during the valedictory speeches in the House of Representa-. tives to-day. "The news from abroad is grave, these days," said Mr. Hamilton, "and in the event of Britain being involved, we, as an Opposition, offer our full co-operation to the Government in. seeing that New Zealand, does its full duty and takes its full share of responsibility as a unit of the Empire. "We all hope that wiser counsels will prevail and that the war clouds will pass away, but if there should be trouble, the Government may rely on loyal support from the Opposition.'' AUSTRALIA THANKED APPROVAL OF VISIT MESSAGES EXCHANGED ~ \ CANBERRA, Sept. 16 The Prime Minister. Mr. J. A. Lyons, cabled the Commonwealth Ministry 3 warmest admiration to the British Government on Mr. Chamberlain s visit to Germany. Ho assured Mr. Chamberlain of the Australian Government's full support for his policy aiul actions in I the cause of peace. Mr. Lyons received a message from J Mr. Chamberlain stating that Mr. | Lyons' cablegram regarding Australia's co-operation with Britain had reached him just as he was leaving for Germany. He said the message had been a great encouragement to him and 110 sent his warmest thanks.

VATICAN IMPRESSED LONDON, Sept. 15 An official announcement from Vatican City states that Mr. Chamberlain's initiative has created the.best of impressions at the Vatican.