Washington Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1921, Page 3

Washington Conference.

IKSTIIALIA.N AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. A FAREWELL SPEECH. BRIAND’S HOPES OK FUTURE. (Received This Ray at 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. PI. M. Itriaml, in a speech prior to embarkation, said—ln coining here 1 was certain to find that the Coiilerenwe would lend an effective arm to the views of Era nee. 1 nm not suvjirisod, therefore, at my explanation at Washington Conference being wcleomsd wOi such unanimous applause. 1 had pleasure in seeing and hearing all the icprosentafives of other countries who have been our allies, who till have a perfect trust in my country, trance should never fear moral isolation. France has an army which is ready to serve the world, by. protecting against discord and anarchy, in whatever form they may present themselves. The Premier pointed out that b ranee did not trample on Germany, ns the latter did in 1871. She did not use her army to collect German reparations. He added that in spite of many houses m mourning in onr country 1 cannot say there is any feeling of hatred in onr hearts. There is one condition where Germany can fulfil obligations, .that is for the old Germany to disappear—the Germany which was a nation of pre\ leaving Voom for the Germany of peace and liberty, recognising the rights ot other peoples-. But the old Germany has not disappeared, it is still Ring m wait, and would you like France to any that she was going to lay down her arms and do nothing, and see her neighbour go ahead with an ai ni>. France has no right to desert her own cause, or the cause of peace, because d she weakened herself there would be an end to the peace of the world. 1 would like to say to German Americans who fought nobly by the side of P ranee the war, why do you not speak across the seas to those who belong to your former country. Why don t you < them that you have nothing to four from France. Wc are only too ready to encourage and conciliate Geimany. Wo shall do everything in our power to discourage and avoid reasons for war. and ensure peaceful relations not on y lietwcen us and Germany, hut the vlmlo world. Whatever resolutions may be the outcome of the Washington Confer-, once, and there will he many resolutions which France will he glad to support, they will mark a serious su-p the road of progress and peace.