PEACE OF EUROPE FRENCH CHAMBER DEBATE

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19430, 3 December 1934, Page 7

PEACE OF EUROPE

FRENCH CHAMBER DEBATE

GERMANY AND THE LEAGUE.

ARMAMENTS RACE DENOUNCED,

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlglu

PARIS, Dec. 1

“ France fully agrees with the Soviet regarding co-operation to ■safeguard European peace especially in the East,” said the Foreign Minister, M. Laval, speaking on foreign policy in the Chamber of Deputies. “ But France will not substitute a bilateral agreement, for international collaboration. Germany will again he invited, .under terms of equality with other countries, to participate in a pact for Eastern mutual assistance. She can be assured of the same guarantee that she will give her associates in a pact. “ I have still hope that Germany will collaborate with us and re-enter the League of Nations, otherwise her moral responsibility will increase.” France’s policy was always to remain within the League's orbit. M. Bouillon said that France was in •danger of falling into two errors. Firstly, the belief that there was a new Germany, and, secondly, the belief that Geneva was sufficient to ensure peace. France must strengthen her military forces. “We are the most threatened race in the world,” he said.

M. Jean Goy said:—“A policy of despair means war for us ex-service men. There is a possibility of negotiation with Germany. Why not talk, since the hand has been, held out? Thai, does, not prevent us being vigilant.” This speech had a mixed reception. M. Leon Blum, the Socialist leader, demanded that M. Laval should revive the disarmament policy. He declared: “Some may admire Hitlerism, which only .fills us with horror and execration. We consider it a barbaric regression, but in the interests of peace we are prepared to shake hands, even if their hands are covered with blood. Neither France nor Europe will know security before the armaments race ends.” He added that M. Laval himself must take the initiative in resuming the interrupted disarmament conversations. Germany should make constructive proposals. Military aircraft should be suppressed and civil aviation neutralised. . The debate was adjourned.