FRENCH SECURITY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 14, 11 October 1921, Page 5

FRENCH SECURITY

POLICY PURSUED BY BRIAND CARRYING OUT OF TREATY SOLIDARITY OF ALLIES ESSENTIAL The Premier of France, in defending his policy, says the Treaty of Versailles needs perpetual retouching, and must ba carried out In full accord with the Allies. No country had a greater desire to limit armaments, he said, but no country had a greater will to remain strong. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Paris, October 9. M. Briand, Premier of France, in an important speech to hie constituents at Saint Nazaire, claimed from his countrymen the necessary authority to speak high and see far in foreign conferences. France, in view of its sacrifices, had the right to demand all tho reparations to Which she was entitled. France did not want to abuse her strength, but to secure her rights without having recourse to force. The Premier continued: “The policy I am pursuing is not one that makes thunder nnd lightning or impregnates public opinion with the mystic wave of enthusiasm which leads a. country into catastrophe, from which she comes bleeding and mutilated, perhaps ruined. I know well tho difficulty of drawing up a”treaty. My critics like M. Clemenceau ought to understand, when they accuse me of failing to make a success of it,’that they loft the work unfinished. The Treaty of Versailles needs perpetual retouching. It must be carried out in full accord with our Allies. If the mint of solidarity is broken, then tho Treaty is emasculated. The French Government is going to America to find the best way to prevent hotbeds of wars breaking out. It would do this if only for the memory and recognition of tho soldiers who crossed the ocean to fight, for France.” No country had a greater desire to limit armaments, hut no country had a greater will to remain strong. French security must be assured- France cannot bo menaced to-mor-row.— Aus.-N.21. Cable Assn. • ’

FINANCIAL COLT APSE OF GERMANY FEARED POSTPONEMENT OF ■REPARATION PAYMENT RUMOURED. (Rec. October 10. 7.25 p.m.) London, October 10. According fo the Berlin correspondent of the “Dailv Express” there are Persistent rumours that the British Government. fearing the financial collapse of Germany, which would affect other countries, has persuaded France tn consent to postponement tor three years nf F.ne next reparations payment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • '