France's Realistic Attitude On Germany

Chronicle (Levin), 10 November 1949, Page 5

France's Realistic Attitude On Germany

(N.Z.P.A.

— Reuter.

Cowright)

Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 9. The Times' Paris correspondent says the French attitude in the three-Power Conference on Allied policy towards Western Germany will hinge on the fact 'that France has not proposed tne conference. In other words, the French Government still takes its stand on the existing agreements relating to Germany and do.es not feel called upon to make aiiv proposals. The French Government is, however, very nruch alive to the favourable atmosphere which Dr. Adenauer, the West German Prime Minister, sought to create in his recent declaration on Franco-German relations. Dr. Adenauer 's" recognition that French anxieties about security. whether well or ilifounded, must receive, satisf action, is regarded in Paris as the most promising feature for the future of FrancoGerman relations and one which should be requited. Whatever proposals are made to ease the relations between Germany and tne Western Powers, and whoever • puts them forward, the French Government is therefore willing to examine them on a tripartite basis, but it is emphasised that if there is to be any change in the existing arrangements the French wili expect something in return for what they give. This applies particularly to the dismantling* agreement.