BRITAIN AND FRANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 March 1924, Page 3

BRITAIN AND FRANCE.

SKM [-OFFICIAL TRIBUTE. [IIY TM.EOIIAI’TI —FKR MUSS ASSOCIATION'.] PARIS, March 2. Commenting in advance, on the U - Doiuii'!-]’ >in; .ire correspondence w h s jo ii ;i published to-niglit, a m in a! pays t-rihnte to Mr Alachouaid’s f.iendly efforts, the intention of v. hicii is hound to find favourable echo in France. It says French security and also peace in Europe must he assured, for example by neutralisation or demilitarisation of certain territories, or by limited control by nations. Ifo declares Franco confidently awaits tlie result of the eornmiUco of experts regarding reparations. Then perhaps it will he possible in raising tlie question of inter-Allied debts to hope for participation of United States in the final liquidation of the war. PROSPECTS OF ANGLO FI! E.NOI f CONFERENCE. LONDON, March 3. Great, satisfaction is expressed in British official circles at M. Poincare’s reply to Air Macdonald. It is considered the correspondence, marks a very definite advance in Anlo-Frcneh relations which clears the air for an AngloFrench conference. FRANCE AND BRITAIN. THE CORRESPONDENCE. PRESS COALMEN T. [RKUTEiis Tkleoiiams.] (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, .March 3. That professions of good intentions alone will not succeed in bridging the Anglo-French gulf, is a lad which nobody is endeavouring to conceal. In commenting on ,tbe evolution of the new diplomacy, several London newspapers mourn the absence of any essential change in Al. Poincare’s oft repeated policy, and stress the continued fundamental point of divergence in the peace policies or the two Premiers, namely, .sectional alliance versus universal agreement. Liberal papers welcome Al. Poincare’s reference to the League oi .Nations, as suggesting a new angle of vision. General satisfaction prevails that the correspondence *s uselully proceeding from generalities to concrete issues, while unaiinous praise is accorded Air MacDonald's efforts to create an improved atmosphere, as the weightiest factor in the ultimate settlement. PARIS, Afarcli 3. The newspapers lengthily comment on the AlacDonald-l’oiucare correspondence. The “.Matin” says the letters are absolutely sincere. An important fact is that there is a new determination to reach an understanding. Furthermore, fundamental ideals are admitted on both sides.

The “Petit-Journal” remarks that the cessation of recriminations is a great stop forward, 'hut there is still a long way to go before an agreement can he reached.

The “Petit Parisian" says Germany will now realise that any attempt to play off Britain against France is foredoomed to failure.

The “Figaro” considers AL Poincare’s reply shows France’s demands are the preliminary conditions lor the realisation of British aims. The “Echo dc Paris” says while Air MacDonald regards positive guarantees as of secondary imnortance, AL Poincare attaches greater importance thereto.

. “I 4t . Journal'’ declares the. correspondence almost gives an imiiiwsion that for three years we have been victims of a nightmare and that all is needed to make the two countries fall into each others arm?, is to wake them up. “Lo Oaulois" says: (t looks as though negotiations might now Ikopened in exceptionally encouraging conditions. Tho Socialist “Populaire.” says AL Poincare’s reply is partly a defence of policy, and heralds the difficulty of negotations in the near future. The Radical “Qnotidieu” says M. Poincare’s reply is courteous hut a definite refusal. ~ The Communist “Hnnminto ‘a s M. Poincare’s letter hypocritical, while “f/oenvre,” the organ of the. I.eft parties, describes Air .Miicßnimld’s letter as “the letter of an honest man desirous of a settlement, and Al. I’omcnro s ns a letter of pseudo nmcluavelli »>»> loves quibbling.” Berlin newspapers give prominence to the MacDonahl-l’oiucare correspondence. The “Mnnlagsfost” says MacDonald's letter “is an historical document, for the first time leading Entente statesmen frankly to iuvostig.i e all the political questions hanging over Europe like a cloud of poison. ndoubtedly Me MacDonald's personality is wholesomely influenced hy M. I o'u(.„re. This will not he without ellccf on the French people.”