ANGLO-FRENCH AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1924, Page 2

ANGLO-FRENCH AFFAIRS

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND K Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION FRENCH PUBLIC OPINION. LONDON, mine 24. The Paris correspondent of the “Times” says that although French public opinion welcomes witn sincere satisfaction tiie prospect of closer cooperation with Britain, there undoubtedly exists real uneasiness concerning the change in the French policy, to which M. Hcrriot committed himself. It has been so lung drummed in the ears of the French people that only the occupation of the Ruhr will comjiel Germany to pay, and France will only evacuate the Ruhr in proportion as Germany effects payment, that any suggestion of the abandonment of the military occupation of the Ruhr tills them with something akin to dismay. They are yet to be persuaded that this tangible pledge can he replaced hv guarantees of an equivalent value.

ADVICE TO DR MARX. BERLIN, June 24. It is understood that the personal message from Mr MacDonald and M. Hcrriot which has been communicated to Chancellor Marx points out that disquieting reports are reaching tho -iiiglo-Erench Governments of tho increasing activities of the Nationalist militarist associations. It urges the German Government, in its own interest, to facilitate such examination a-» will dispel suspicion. THE PREMIER’S CONFERENCE. TWO POINTS EMPHASISED. (Received this day at 9.23 a.m.) ONDON. June 23. Diplomatic writers and the Paris correspondents emphasise the two main points believed to have been discussed by AT. Hcrriot and Mr Macdonald. It is understood that M. Hcrriot favours the rapid commercialization of the German debt through the international money markets taking up various series of railway, industrial and other bonds us provided for in the Dawes report and linking therewith the Ruhr evaluation so that a proportion of French and Belgian troops will he withdrawn as each issue is disposed of. Hie other point emphasised is a mutual defence pact between England, France, Belgium. Italy and possibly Czocho-Slo-vakia, pending a wider pact when Germany is admitted to tho League of Nations.

The “Morning Post” Paris correspondent affirms the suggestion embodied in the agreement to which Belgium is expected to assent.

V significant rumour is current m Brussels that Mr MacDonald telegraphed M. Hcrriot. saying that the proctocol which was drafted at Cheqgei s Court ought not to be published. British official circles, however, deny that Air MacDonald gave M. Hcrriot any written undertaking.