FRENCH PUBLIC UNEASY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 26 June 1924, Page 7

FRENCH PUBLIC UNEASY.

*u Change of Ruhr Policy. LOSS OF GUARANTEES FEARED. By Cable —Press AssociatiCii—Copyright. (Received 5.5 p.m., June 25.) LONDON, June 24. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that although French public opinion welcomes with sincere satisfaction the prospect of closer' cooperation with Britain, there undoubtedly exists real uneasiness concerning the change in French policy, to which M. Herriot lias committed himself. It has been so long drummed in the ears of the French ‘people that only the occupation of the Ruhr will compel Germany to pay, and France will only evacuate the Ruhr in proportion as Germany effects payments, that any suggestion of abandonment of the military occupation of the Ruhr fills them with something akin to dismay. They are yet to be persuaded that this tangible pledge can be replaced by guarantees of equivalent value.

CARRYING OUT THE REPORTS.

CLOSE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION LIKELY.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. (Received 7.15 p.m., June 25.) BRUSSELS, June 24. M. Herriot communicated to M. Tlieunis and M. Hymans, the details of his conversations, with Mr Macdonald, which, according to a subsequent statement by M. Tlieunis, permit the hope of close co-operation between Britain, France, Italy and Belgium with a view to carrying out the Experts’ plan.

AMERICA’S PART IN THE CRISIS.

REPRESENTATION AT REPARATION CONFERENCE.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. WASHINGTON, June 24. A White House spokesman declared that the United States would undoubtedly be represented by the oustomai. unofficial observer at the inter-Allied Conierence of Premiers in London, scheduled for July 6, but would not be officially represented. The spokesman explained that while the Government was eager to assist in the solution of European problems it was equally anxious to avoid action interpretabie as interference in European political affairs, adding that the United States had yet received no fonnal. invitation to participate in the Conference, and therefore no formal statement was issuable.

Official circles believe that neither Mr Hughes (who will roach louden on July 20) nor Gonriril Dares will be able tp participate officially or unofficially in the Conference.

COMPULSORY ARBITRATION

BRITISH OFFICIAL VIEW

WANTED,

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, June 24. In the House of Commons, replying to a question whether Mr Macdonald Vas - able to state the policy of the Government regarding the optional clause upon compulsory arbitration in the Protocol of the Permanent Court of International Justice, Mr J. R. dynes said the decision of the Govern ment on this important matter might have far-reaching consequences. Time must be allowed for the consideration of it, and it was also necessary to consult the Dominions.

WARNING TO GERMANY. DANGER OF MILITARIST ACTIVITIES. i'y Utibls—Pruss Asaociutiou—Copyright. (Received 1.20 a.m., June 26.) BERLIN, June >4. It is understood that a personal message from Mr Macdonald and M. Heriot has been communicated to the German Chancellor (Herr Marx). H points out that disquieting reports reach the Anglo-French Governments of the increasing activities of Nationalist militarist associations. The message urges the German Government, in its own interest, to facilitate such examination as will dispel suspicion.

VIOLENT SCENES 5N REICHSTAu. PI A N D-TO-HA ND F rGHTS REPORTED. By Oabli Press Arson iation —Copyright. (Received J .20 a.m.. June 26.) BERLIN, Juno 25. There were violent scenes in the Reichstag during the debate on the motion for the release of political prisoners. It was a regular hand-to-hand fight, between the Nationalists and Socialists. One member apparently tried to strangle another. Tnsnlts wire shrieked across the House. The sittings were twice suspended. The Communists walked out in a body as a protest against the remarks of the Nationali-ts.