MINISTER RESIGNS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1334, 11 January 1912, Page 5

MINISTER RESIGNS

DIFFERENCES IN FRENCH CABINET. A SENSATION. DISCUSSION IN THE SENATE. By Tcleerapli-Prcss Association—Copyright Paris, January 9. The Foreign Minister, M. do Selves, has resigned as the result of difference with the Premier, M. Caillaux. (Rec. January 10, 11 p.m.) Paris, January 10. M. Caillaux assured tho Senate Committeo on his word of honour that tho nowspaper allegations that while ho was Finance Minister in M. Monis's Cabinet he conducted irregular ponrparlers with Germany unknown to his colleagues, President Fallieres or M. Jules Cambon (tho French Ambassador at Berlin) were untrue. M. Clemenceau and M. Bourgeois pressed M. do Selres to say whether he was; able to confirm M. Caillaux's statement. M. de Selves said: "I cannot reply, for I owo a double duty to trnth and the country's interest." A sensation was caused by M. Clemenceau declaring: "You may say this to anyono else, but not to me, because*, you informed me to tho contrary." M. de Selves replied: "You misunderstood me." The Committee immediately adjourned. Subsequently a private conference took placo between M. Caillaux and M. do Selves, after which the latter announced his resignation. THE FOREIGN OFFICE. M. de Selves was appointed Minister for Foreign Affnirs in June last. Referring to las selection for this position, a London paper stated:—"ln view of tho violent attacks recently made upon M. do Selves in connection with the unsatisfactory condition, of Paris, it is not surprising that he has expressed his willingness to change the Seine Prefecture for tho Quai d'Orsay. M. de Selves, who is a Senator of the Tarn-et-Garonne, has been Prefect of three French Departments and Director-General of Posts end Telegraphs. He was appointed Prefect of tho Seine in 1836. It may bo regarded as certain that his appointment as Foreign Minister will mark no change in the general orientation of the foreign policy of Franco, as he is a strong supporter both of tho Russian Alliance and of ,the Entente Cordiale."

The administration of the French Foreign Office is just now a targetfor much criticism, says tho New York "Post." When asked by tho Parliamentary Commission, during a discussion of Moroccan affairs, if Franco had over objected to Spain establishing herself at Laracho and Alcazar, the I'oreign Minister, M. de Selves replied that she had not. His predecessor, M. Cruppi, at once- pointed out that far from this being the case ho had repeatedly protested against Spanish action,' and reserved all French rights. M. de Selves accordingly found himself in an awkward position. Next day ho wns compelled to confess to the Commission that ho had been mistaken, and that there were at least twenty telegraphic messages and dispatches exchanged between Paris, Madrid, and other capitals objecting to the Spanish initiative. He explained his error by saying that his "Dirccteur Politique," who occupies much tho same position as that of the permanent Undcr-Secrotary in - England, had been away on leave at tho timo this correspondence was going on, and, consequently had known nothing about it. This explanation naturally led to much critical commont in. political and other circles. Tho offending secretary has received an indefinite leave of absence, but there is a general impression that tho machinery of the Foreign Office needs overhauling.

On November 30 the question of a reorganisation of the various Departments at the Quai d'Orsay was discussed when tho Foreign Office vote was taken in the Chamber of Deputies. Soveral speakers referred to what they described as the administrative and' finanoial disorder which, in their opinion, had been disclosed by recent incidents in the service. The Reporter for tho Foreign Office. 'Estimates, M. Paul Deschauel, who endorsed these remarks, suggested that the principle of unity of direction, which imposed upon tho Director of the Political Department solo responsibility for all current affairs, had been carried too far. The duties of this official ought to be distributed. Notwithstanding casce of individual failure, the French Foreign Office snrvice had played a great and nuble part in the history .of France, and if it were encouraged to maintain its high traditions, French diplomacy, with the aid of_ France's alliances and friendships, might bo trusted to bring tho country safeJy through the crises of tho future." The Foreign Minister, SI de Selves, replied that the recent negotiations with Germany had taken up most of hie time since he assumed office four months ago, and that ho had been compelled to make tho best of the existing organisation. He had, however, instituted a commission of three Ambassadors to make recommendations on the subject. While reserving his decision until the inquiry hod been completed, ho expressed agreement with 51 Deschangel's suggestion that there ought to be a permanent official at the head »f Cue Department. An institution of this kind would make for continuity and co. ordination.