FRENCH PLAN

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1929, Page 5

FRENCH PLAN

FOR ECONOMIC FEDERATION

(United Press Association—By Electn. . . telegraph—Copyright,). PARIS, July 12. Much discussion lias arisen concurring a scheme which is attributed to M. Briand (French Foreign Minister, for the formation of the United States of Europe. It is reported that In hopes to lay the foundation stone thereof at the League of Nations Assembly in SeptenTber. a 'iIt is recalled that when lie' welcomed Germany into the League oi Nations, M. Briand declared that this was really the beginning of the United States of Europe. The idea has since been germinating in liis mind, and it has developed into a scheme for the economic federation of Europe, to be followed later by a political federation. Visionary, though it may look at present, it appears to have taken root on the Continent. It is argued that the Old World’s innumerable tariff walls tend to keep Europe economically feeble as compared with the United States, whose proposed big increase in tariffs has given an impetus to the now movement. M. Briand has not yet disclosed his scheme in dotail. Everybody seems to realise that there would he’ difficulty in carrying out the project without the support of Britain, from which there has been no response whatever.

GERMAN OPINION. BERLIN, July 12. German political circles declare that Germany will undoubtedly welcome a closer European understanding in the sphere of tariffs and economic co-operation generally, provided that it is not directed against Britain or the United States.