FRENCH FOREIGN POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22612, 2 July 1935, Page 9

FRENCH FOREIGN POLICY

ONE OF RECONCILIATION “ DOOR OPEN FOR DISCUSSIONS ” LONDON, July 1. (Received July 1, at 10.25 p.m.) The Times, in a leader, says: “M. Laval temporarily joins the small growing band of individuals upon whose single will Governments depend. The Chamber will endorse or condemn his policy when it reassembles. Meanwhile his endeavours to execute a policy will be watched with sympathy.” The Paris correspondent of The Times says: “M. Laval, before the closure of the Chamber, said the Government would continue to protect the republican State against attack. Civil power carried the duty of protecting the army against propaganda. Political passions could not be allowed to invade the offices of the general staff and still less cross the threshold of the barracks. The Government would pursue a foreign policy of conciliation, which, while ensuring France her rights, would consolidate peace by collective organisation of security.” . The Berlin correspondent of The Times says: “ The suggestion emerging from all German comments on the recent phase of peace-making activities is thar it is now for France to take the initiative towards a direct understanding with Germany. M. Laval’s statement .t * the door remains open for FrancoGerman discussions ’ is considered more hopeful, but it is asked. What prevents France from opening the next stage herself?” —Times Cable.