FRENCH POLITICAL CRISIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16327, 17 January 1921, Page 4

FRENCH POLITICAL CRISIS.

ENTENTE ENDANGERED, j By Telegreph—PreM Association—■ Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cafe]* Association, LONDON. January 15. The “ Observer '’ states that the British Government take-, an extremely grave view of the I' reiich crisis. The position had recently been better than for many months. The Governments at Berlin, Paris and London were each disposed to settle outstanding legacies of the Treaty of Versailles in a reasonable spirit. It now is feared that the vote of the Chamber of Deputies indicates a stiffening of the French demands on Germany. It is no exaggeration to say that IVf. Poincare’s sabotage ha 6 again imperilled the Entente. After quoting Lloyd George’s interview, especially the necessity of investigating and estimating what Germany is able to pay and then fixing the amount, the “ Observer” says: “France decided to act on this principle, but now, oil the eve. of its realisation, the Government is defeated by extremists who are blind to imminent dangers. 1 ’ The paper adds that the. British Government has requested the postponement of Wednesday’s conference until the exact issue cf the French crisis is known. Mr Lloyd George is fully determined to point out that a return by Franco to unbending insistence on literal 1 treaty rights in the interests of French financiers would gravely menace Europe and the Entente. PATHS. January 10. AC. Peret’s failure to form a Government was due. to M. Poincare and M. Briand each desiring the portfolio of foreign Affairs. He, *vrith regret, advised the President to invito M. Briand to form a Cabinet. M. Briand has arranged a Cabinet, including M, Barthou as Minister of War. (In November last. Mr Lloyd George, interviewed by the London correspondent of Petit Parisian,” with the purpose of removing an unfavourable impression in France regarding Britain’s attitude towards Germany, declared that Britain will stand shoulder to shoulder with France iu exacting I reparations from Germany.' The Premier stated : “ The French must not think I have become an enemy because T pursue a business course. It is necesj savy to investigate and ascertain how I much Germany can pay before fixing | the amount. s ’) LONDON, January 16. The “Observer” in a later edition states that AT. Briand represents a policy of moderation and reasonableness. THE “POUND OF FLESH ” POLICY. LONDON. Jajnuary 16. The Paris correspondent of the “Sunday 'limes” states that AT. Poincare represented the “pound of flesh ” interpretation of the Treaty, but themuch more moderate men, AL Milleraud and AL Leygues, found it necessary to curtail even their programme in view of the opposition of the. Allies. Unreasonable adherence to M. Poincare’s policy might expose France toi that isolation for which Germany longs.

NEW MINISTERS. PARIS, January 16. The netr Ministry includes M, Donmer, Minister of Finance, and M. Sarrairt, IMiuister lor the Colonies. PARIS, January 16. M. Pej«et failed to form a Cabinet. The President has asked 31. Briand to undertake the task.