FRENCH PREMIER

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1920, Page 2

FRENCH PREMIER

REVIEWS TxiEi SITUATION. , A Lola ALi AN it N .A. cauch association] ■PARIS, March 27. In tne Chamber, M. MiLerand replying to tile foreign ueoate emphasised tile continued unity of tile Allied Powers and ridiculed tile talk about alliances and a crisis. He said there bad been some divergencies of views during the conversations, but as wartime, an understanding was reached after a compromise. He was conthe compromises would continue to take place for the greatest good of ali the Allied Powers, and lie declared the Allies had undertaken not to negotiate with Soviet Russia politically except by mutual agreement. M. Millerand emphasised that the Allies could only recognise the Russian Government when it recognised national sovereignty, not only by word, but also by deeds. He indicated the Government, however, were prepared to assist business men wishing to enquire into immediate trade possibilities in Russia. The Allies desired to create a practicable Turkey, which was quite conip at- - ible with the freedom of the Straits, guaranteed by an international organisation and with safeguards for eco- / nomic and financial interests of France in Turkey, /which are of the first imptjrtance. He added that France would be able to exert her just influence. M. Millerand referring to the recent attacks on Allied officers in Germany announced that Marshal Focli had submitted to the Allies a plan for exacting moral and material reparation, and fresh guarantees which were pot objectionable to the idea of economical co-operation. M. Millerand pointed out that Germany had to give evidence of good faith by carrying out the terms of the Treaty. France did not intend to be cheated. The situation was grave, and the continued existence of German militarism was by facts, which showed the greatest peril was not to ourselves alone. When Paris was threatened, London was not safe. The Allies will understand, when I say, with unanimous public opinion behind me, that France, who would be to-morrow as she was yesterday, the victim, of fresh attack, cannot await the solution indefinitely.