OPINIONS OF THE FRENCH PRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 124, 19 February 1919, Page 7

OPINIONS OF THE FRENCH PRESS

Paris, February 16. The "Echo do Paris" believes that tho league project represents a coming struggle between two contending conceptionsii suuer-S-lsito, nl/sorbins,' part of the soveroisniv of States, and an alliance of en mil imlenpndent States associated for defence. It thinks that France is insufficiently guarded in tho absenco of nn International force. "Le Journal" regards the league- as n formidable engines for the service of peace, as long nb it is prepared to use its strength swiftly, but its force is still subordinate, to its decision to intervene aL tho moment of peril. That is, perhaps, when it is too late.

The "ij.'inlois" questions i£ an international force would strength tin? security of France, but postpones its definite opinion until details are available of what amounts to the foundation of a new world. Other-opinions regard the fate of annexations as sealed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. statemenTbTm. pichon ALLIES'. WILL MAKE THE WORLD SAFE. (Eec. February 18, 10.58 p.m.) Paris, February 16. M. Pichon, addressing the Allied journalists, said the French Government was unanimously in favour of the League of Nations, and had no intention of weakening it; though doubtless some necessary extensions and alterations would need to be made to the covenant, which was a momentous document. Its adoption was a great step. Any amendments would probably be first cxoinined by tho Commission before , submission to a plenary session. President Wilson expressed the hope before leaving that many questions would be ripe for decision whenhe returned. M. Pichon, referring to the happenings at Weimjrf, said:_ "They necessitate ouir taking precautions to make it clear to the Germans that they are beaten. The Germans already speak at-Weimar as if they were not guilty of international crimes. They- speculate on divisions between the Allies, but. the last few days' discussions will conclusively disappoint them. The Allies are determined to make the world safe against Germany:" The French-elections a.-few months hence would satisfy Germany in regard to the attitude of Alsace-Lor-raine. He believed .that not a single deputy would be sent to the Chamber who would protest against Alsace's re : turn to France. ■In reply to.a question, M. PichOn said he '.saw no reason. to refuse to. recognise the new German Government, ■ which was the outcome. of. the duly elected Assembly.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS ISSUE DEAD

A JOKE ON THE CORPSE. . (Eec. February 18, 7.30. p.m.) . ' ' Paris, February IG. President Wilson told the American .correspondents-that the freedom of the seas issue.,was dead. He'said:'"lt is a good joke, against myself. The freedom of. the seas questions concerns the rights of n'eutrals,' but under the League of Nations there will be no neutrals. The league will ,fix naval codes and regulations, but it may Iμ said that the freedom of the seas issue..no longer exists." —United Service. ,

SOUTH AFRICAN AND'AUSTRALIAN

MANDATES

AN IMPORTANT PROVISION. (Kec. February 18, 7.30 p.m.) Paris, February 16. It was agreed prior to President Wilson's departure that the South African and Australasian mandates should . include a provision that the inhabitants at any time, by public vote, .might merge into the mandatory countries,—United Service. . '

GERMANY'S COLONIAL SYSTEM PRESIDENT WILSON LAUDS ENGLAND'S POLICY. Paris, February 17. President Wilson • characterised Germany's' colonial system as' one of extermination 'in' order to .get possession of the' land of helpless people. At the same time he impliedly lauded England's policy, saying that many weak peoples which began as. colonies have been litted into the sphere of self-government.—A\is.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. \ SUGGESTED REMOM'OF CONGRESS, ACTION TAKEN BY MR, BALFOUR, (Kec. February 18, 7.10 p.m.) New York, February 17. The 'Tribune's" Paris correspondent states that when Mr. Balfbur learned that Press dispatches to the United States said that the British delegates were in agreement with President Wilson's dosire to reinova the place of the Conference from France, he communicated with the American authorities, and tied to stop the transmission of- the mes-sages—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.