AN UNFORTUNATE SPEECH

New Zealand Mail, 24 September 1902, Page 24

AN UNFORTUNATE SPEECH

LONDON, September 17. The “Standard” sympathises with M. Delcasse, French Alinister for Foreign Affairs, and says that his difficult task as Foreign Alinister, which requires the exercise of much sagacity, is rendered harder by his indiscreet colleagues. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says that the Germans are pleased at M. Pelletan (Minister of Marine), in his recent speech in regard to Corsica killing three birds with one stone —attacking three Powers, besides throwing cold water on France’s friendship with Italy. The previous comments of the “Standard” and “The Times” refer to a speech delivered by M. Pelletan at Bizerta. in the course of which he tilted at Germany, and added that France, with' Bizerta, Corsica and Toulon, was the gatekeeper between the two halves of the Mediterranean, despite Afalta and Gibraltar. a M. Delcasse is annoyed at the Premier (M. Combes) allowing General Andre (Alinister for War) and M. Pelletan to refer to foreign nations. He haa instructed M. Barrere (Frenoh Ambassador in Italy) to tender excuses to Italy. PARIS, September 18. Af. Combes (Premier) has sharply rebuked M. Pelletan (Alinister of Marine) for his recent speech in regard to French influence in the Afediterranenn and Corsica. Tho French newspapers describe tha speech as inopportune, but consider ife was not intended to he aggressive.