FRENCH POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18456, 18 January 1922, Page 5

FRENCH POLITICS

NEW CABINET WELCOMED. M. TAEDIETJ IRONipAL. STRONG LEGAL ELEMENT. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, January 16. The newspapers generally, with the exception of tpe Extreme Left, welcome the Ministry, although they regret the absence of certain leaders of the Radical-Socialists. M. Tardieu, writing in the Echo Nationale, points out, ironically that M. Poincare, who criticised M. Briand so much, is nevertheless keeping seven of his collaborators in the late Ministry, and he asks: “Is it wise when a man wishes to take a new line to surround himself with 61 per cent, of the men whoso policy ho wishes to rectify?” Twelve out of 14 members of the new Cabinet are lawyers. A. and N.Z. Cable. M. POINCARE’S POLICY. ASSURING FRENCH EIGHTS. OPPOSED TO GENOA CONFERENCE. LONDON, January 16. The Paris correspondent of The Times interviewed M. Poincare, who expressed himself, as being more than ever a firm adherent of a close Anglo-French Entente. He said that he would make every endeavour to examine the questions in suspense and reach a solution which would be satisfaeory to both countries. Franco itself insisted on reparation for her ruins and on national security, in which she hoped to secure Britain’s cordial co-opera-tion. France was ready to co-operate with her friends and allies in all matters tending to consolidate peace, provided .that French rights under the existing treaties were respected. Questioned regarding the likelihood of the pact being accepted, M. Poincare stated that the first essential was a settlement of tho outstanding points of difference. He made it clear that France could not admit any curtailment of the occupation of the Rhine as a result of the proposed pact. M. Poincare stated that the new French Government was strongly opposed to the Genoa Conference as being dangerous to France.—The Times. FIRST COUNCIL MEETING. CONVERSATION WITH LORD CURZON. PARIS, January 17. (Received Jan. 17, at 7.30 p.m.) M. Sarraut has accepted the Colonial Portfolio. M. Poincare held his first council meeting to-day. Later he had a long conversation with Lord Curzon (Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs), covering the Genoa Conference, the proposed new Belgian and French Pacts, the reparations, and questions appertaining to the Near East. It is understood that M. Poincare demands that each question shall be considered separately.—A. and N.Z. Cable. POINTED CRITICISM. FRANCE’S RESPONSIBILITY. PARIS, January 17. (Received Jan. 17, at 8.5 p.m.) Deputy Hennessy, writing in Loeuvre, says that whether M. Poincare likes or dislikes it, the sound of his name evokes that murderous guns for another war in Europe are being prepared. France, according to the foreign policy she adopts, may still postpone, avert, or precipitate this war. M. Poincare’s accession, he adds, marks another decisive step towards a new war.—A. and N.Z. Cable.