The French Mission.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16418, 11 January 1919, Page 8

The French Mission.

The Froncli Mission leave Christchurch to-day, aftor having made many friends, and wo. trust that they will take with thetn pleasant memories of their visit. It may bo interesting to recall tho fact that tho Mission was tbo outcomo of an invitation from tho Australian Government. The suggestion first came to the French Government in January last year; it was formally accepted in May, and tho Mission, with the lato M. Metin as its head, started at the end of July.

It began its journey during the most serious crisis of the war, when it was not at all certain the Germans would not get within shelling distance of Paris with their big gims, and it is one proof among many "of the sefreno confidence of the French Government in the ultimate success of the Allies that it despatched the Mission at that particular time for the purpose of cementing the cordial relations between Prance and the most far-flung portions of the British Empire, especially with a view to trade developments after tho war. Now Zealand invited tho Mission to extend its journey to New Zealand, and we aro sure that the people of this country aig now more 'than ever delighted that General Pau and his colleagues found it possible to visit this country. They will be able to leave it with the satisfactory assurance that they have succeeded in the main object of their mission. We venture to say that there is now not only a feeling of the utmost cordiality towards the great French nation—that existed before the Mission came here —but a keen desire that in the great work of commercial reconstruction which lies before us trade relations profitable to both countries shall bo established between France and New Zealand. A favourable "at- " mosphero" has been created for the establishment of those relations, and it will be a thousand pities if some practical steps are not takSn to bring about tfye result which both parties desire. New Zealand producers, on the one hand, should make every effort to get the French market opened to our frozen meat, wool, and other products. On the other hand,"we feel now that if French manufacturers send out travellers .with samples of their goods they will find customers who will only too ready to take from them articles which we formerly bought from Germany, and possibly many other things in addition. In the moantimo, we wish our distinguished visitors a prosperous journey j and a safe return to their native land.