FRENCH AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5282, 12 June 1895, Page 4

FRENCH AFFAIRS.

THEBUSSIAN ALLIANCE.

[Spiciali to Pbbss Association/) PARIS, Jonb 10.

In reply to a question in the Chamber of Deputies, M. Hanotauz, Foreign Minister, said that French interests in China had to be guarded, and the Government could not refuse to support Russia in. recent events. A refusal to support the stand taken by Enssia wonld have implied a reflection on the foreign policy of both nations.

JtTNB 11.

Speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, M. Bibot declared that public, opinion hadjatified the alliance with Russia in regard to the termß of the China-Japaqeee peace treaty.

In the Chamber of Deputies a vote of confidence in M. Hanotaux Foreign Minister, waß carried by a majority of 257 votes. This expression- of' confidence was obtained after th6 'Minister had repeated the reasons given, a few days ago for accepting the invitation of the German Government for the French navy to be represented af; the- ceremony 'in connection with th 6 opening of the Baltic Canal.

) Durin^Hh© debate in the Chamber of Deputies, M. Millet, a leader of the Socialists, questioned the propriety ''"'•'' of " forming a dangerous friendship with Germany, and meddling with the China- Japanese trouble in the interests of Baßsia,

. 2£. Hanotaux, in the course of his reply, said that the Ministry had been faithful to the policy of 1871, but they, did not desire to cfing 6b-? atinately to a policy of isolation. They desired, on the contrary, to restore -the nations ahare in the concert of Cheat Powers, and to prove that she had regained her authority, and to show that France's existence and strength were essential to maintain the equilibrium of Europe and the world. The Government had sought the Russian alliance in order to restore the position of the nation, and the two Powers had agreed to co-Qp'erate. Current events showed that, the visit of the French squadron to Kiel in connection with the opening of the Baltic Canal, would represent France as being free, strong and calm. France was proud enough and rich enough not to fear comparison, and not to for* get the memories of Alsace and Lorraine. M. Hanotaux, before concluding his speech, announced that he had wired to St Petersburg, explaining that the French Government placed the alliance in the first rank of their foreign policy, and thai they intended to support the Russian demands in 'China.

M. Fleurens suggested that the Gbrernmeftt Bhouid ask Russia to assist in compelling Great Britain to evacuate Egypt.

M. fiibot said that all the Government had done had been id the : interests of France, and he disdained any apology or excuse for having entered into an alliance jwith Bassia.