FRENCH PRESIDENT

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1919, Page 3

FRENCH PRESIDENT

(By Electric Telegraph—Co ivright.i

ROYAL BANQUET. (Received This Day, at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 11.

At the banquet to M. Poincaire, the King, speaking in French, recalled Edward Vll’s efforts on behalf of the Entente, which now was happily an enduring alliance. My country has given proof of its devotion to the alliance by signing the Treaty of defence binding her to come to France’s aid if menaced by her old enemy. I pray Heaven to ' avlert such a calamity and that the League of Nations will ensure the peace of j the world. The aspirations of France and Britain are identical and their interests should never conflict. We shall always act together in defence of the highest ideals of liberty and justice. M. Poincaire replied in French. He said when the danger threatened the freedom of the world, the British Empire rose as one man, from one end of the world to the other, while the British Army gave so many proofs of valour and stubbornness and the fleet preserved the mastery of the seas. Their marvellous efforts only ceased when the vanquished enemy demanded mercy. (‘Like his Majesty, I hope Britain will never have occasion realise the solemn promise of military assistance if the north-eastern frontier of France is attacked. -

M. Poincaire concluded by expressing France’s best wishes to the entire British Empire.

A FRENCH BANQUET. (Received This Dav nr 12.25 p.m.) ; LONDON, Nov. 11. M. Poincaire gave a' banquet this evening to the King and Queen at the French Embassy.