WAR NO SOLUTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23807, 13 May 1939, Page 13

WAR NO SOLUTION

THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS FRANCE DESIRES PEACE PREMIER'S DECLARATION SOLIDARITY WITH BRITAIN (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) PARIS, May 11. The Prime Minister, M. Daladier, issued a statement in the Chamber of Deputies. He said that France was determined to resist as long as necessary all tests aimed at weakening moral resistance. France did not know hate, but felt a sincere sympathy with all people. She knew from experience that war would not solve present problems. On the contrary, it would make a solution more difficult and more ruinous. Others knew that France did not threaten them. She wished to collaborate with all and dominate none. Anglo-French solidarity was closer and more confident than ever. It remained the basis of French policy and could not be weakened by intrigue and propaganda. France considered that participation by the Soviet in the common work of mutual assistance was essentially desirable. France was not thinking of reducing military measures, but rather of reinforcing them if certain massive mobilisations were maintained beyond the French frontiers. Some people hoped that France would allow herself to be demoralised by alternate threats and promises. Her determination had not been weakened and would not be weakened. If a just and equitable peace were desired France was ready to make it. If a blow were aimed at peace their enemies would have a taste of the weight of French arms. Sharing Obligations Reviewing the Anglo-French guarantees in Europe, M. Daladier said: "France considers it is indispensable that England and France should share the obligations. We desire peace, and respect the r ights of all. Violence and threats lead to catastrophe. The prospects of French bankruptcy and inflation have been averted." The Deputies applauded vigorously. M. Daladier, insisting on an immediate debate, declared that it was essential the world should be aware of French opinion by the evening of May 12. There is no significance in the debate, the Government being assured of a majority. In a passage believed to be directed to Jugoslavia, M. Daladier invited all peaceful countries to join the Anglo-French guarantee system. FRANCE A HUGE WORKSHOP DEFENCE PREPARATIONS PARIS, May 12. (Received May 13, at 1.30 a.m.) M. Daladier said France to-day was a huge workshop, in which 1,000,000 men were working ceaselessly for national defence. " Our duty is to think of our country alone, and take those virile decisions which its safety demands." Referring to recent pacts, M. Daladier said he invited all peaceful nations to collaborate, pointing out that France took the initiative in informing Rumania that if shewas attacked France would immediately assist, and she similarly assured Greece, and, following the Anglo-Polish guarantee, she gave the same pledge to Poland. He concluded: "There are those who hope that France, invincible when united, might be demoralised by alternate threats of war and promises of peace. They think they can wear us down by a new form of warfare without battle —warfare of uncertainty, repeated anxiety, and disappointed hopes. If between peace and war anyone hopes to wear us down, I say we will stand fast as long as need be. Neither force nor cunning shall prevail against France." The speech was broadcast in French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Rumanian, and Arabic. THE GERMAN VIEW BERLIN, May 12. (Received May 13, at 1.30 a.m.) The Official Newsagency describes the speeches of Mr Chamberlain and M. Daladier as " bombastic imputations to deceive the world concerning the danger of the encirclement policy." Semi-official circles, in answer to Mr Chamberlain, say that Danzig is not a Germano-Polish question, but a purely German one.