The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1927.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 May 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1927.

THE EXTF.XTE CORD I ALE. Trrn recent visit of the President and the Foreign Minister of the French Republic to London was made the occasion for a great demonstration of Anglo-French cordiality. It is .something like a quarter of a celituin since by the good offices of the. late King Edward the relations between the two nations grew to be so intimate. The popularity of the British monarclis and the Royal Princes of England in France has been very notable of late years. That fact combined with the drawing together of the people presents an interesting study in psychology, seeing that France is a republican nation. Be that as' it may, there is no doubt about the warmth of the feeling between England and France. The late visit was attended by the usual public ceremonials. and these naturally attracted much public interest. Xo doubt such Official meetings do pntgji ;? c?rp«nt

the relations, for the conversations help to a clearer understanding, and t .i it more sympathetic feeling ol one nation to the other. The opportunity is afforded to disci.-s informally, many matters affecting diplomatic relations, and n riper understanding can he reached by the very informality of the proceedings. loe nearness of the two nations to each other afford a more common interest in outside affairs than is usually the ease in international affairs. The Entente Cordiale which King Edward built up with Franee, saw its closest association during the period of the Great War, The relationship was very much identified during that periad. and it is obvious that the saeriliees which the war called from both nations for joint preservation must have i emeu ted greatly tile understanding. (If course since the war—in fact during the period ol tne war—there were differences ol opinion. But meetings such as the present will assist tu explain any differences. In regard to such matters, political leaders (nine and go. The policies of the parties in power van from time to time, and there must he some variation in such instances in the foreign relations. It i« mainly in respect of these that the relations lietween France and Britain must at times he nlfet'tod to some extent. And. it is palpable the Iwo nations have certain differences in viewpoint. The traditional state of the national feelings as between France and Germany, is very different to that- ot Britain and (terinanv. On that account there was a period alter the war adieu Frame was very much at variance with the British proposals lor the treatment of Germany. One of the great triumphs of the present British Foreign .Minister was in bringing France- and Germany mole closely together to clinch a durable settlement of vexed times. Similar dillieulties will recur again, hut there is no reason why they should estrange the two nations. Bather with the Entente Cordiale in force, both countries will show greater toleration and confidence, and wait for a friendly conversation ami explanation before jumping at possible conclusion-. The reiil testing time for Britain and France was in the war period. Neither side spared itself while the conflict raged. Each poured out its whole resources to win the war, and that task called for enormous saeriliees. It would he a poor requital indeed if all that went for nought, and that the ties of friendship and understanding were not alike lealised. and were enduring enough to stand the lest of future international trials, It is of great value to both countries to have Confidence and understanding nhe to each other, and to realise that tome weal or woe the nearest neighbour is in sympathy and may he relied upon in the hour of greatest emergency.