WAR DEPT CONCESSIONS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 173, 2 July 1931, Page 6

WAR DEPT CONCESSIONS

FRANCE INSISTS ON ANNUITIES IMPORTANT DECLARATION PARIS, Wednesday. “President Hoover may entrench himself behind Congress. T entrench myself behind the Chamber, which decided that we have reached the limit of concessions. Public opinion will not allow ns to go further. I remain cordial, hut firm.” This statement was made by the French Prime Minister, M. Laval, after last night’s conference of the negotiations regarding the vyar debts moratorium proposal. France insists upon the payment by Germany of the “unconditional” annuities. A crowded Senate followed with intense interest the debate on the reply to Mr.' Hoover. M. Laval said a most delicate situation had arisen, a» reparations must not he questioned and the Young Plan must he maintained. He read a letter from the American Ambassador, Mr. Edge, saying France was the only country

opposing Mr. Hoover’s offer, whereupon there was a violent uproar and jeers against the Ambassador. M. Laval denied that France was the victim of a manoeuvre. If the publication of Mr. Hoover’s offer was abrupt, it was solely to avoid leakage. “We have expressed our real and effective reservations as demanded by our special position,” he said, “and in continuing our negotiations we will uphold France’s dignity and recall our sufferings and burdens. Frank Franco-German conversations are taking place, and shortly, we are confident, they will succeed. I appeal for a massive vote of confidence to strengthen our hands.” The Senate by 197 votes to 5 approved M. Laval’s declaration.