FRENCH STAND

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1931, Page 5

FRENCH STAND

BACKING FROM THE SENATE. {United PrEas Assooiauon—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] PARIS, July 1. A crowded French Senate, iollowed ■with intense interest the debate . in Teply to tile proposals of Premier Hoover. M. Laval, the Prime Minister, said that the situation was the most, delicate one that had arisen, as the Reparations must not be questioned and the Young Plan must be maintained. The Prime Minister read a letter from the American Ambassadcfc Mr Hdge, saying that France was w only country that was opposing theWoover offer. Thereupon there was violent uproar. There were jeers against the American Ambassador. M. Laval denied positively, that .France was the victim of a manoeuvre Jf, lie sjaid, the publication, of Mr Hoover’s offer was abrupt, it was solely to avoid leakage. He added: “We have expressed our real and effective reservations as demanded by our special position. In continuing our negotiations, we have upheld France’s dignity, and (have recalled our sufferings find our burdens. Frank conversations between France and Germany ai'e now taking place, and, shortly, tVe are ■confident that they will succeed. I appeal for a massive vote of confidence to strengthen our hands I’,' '

The Senate, by 107 votes to 8, approved of President Laval’s declaration.

LEAVING FRANCE OUT. LATEST AMERICAN IDEA. LONDON, July 1. The “Daily Telegraph” says:— “President Hoover’s friends express the opinion that, should France fail to meet the United States. half . way. 'President Hoover may be expected to carry out liis scheme without France’s co-operation. The “Daily Herald” goes further and it says that President Hoover has already proposed to Britain, to Italy and to other states that if France does no co-operate, they. shall put his plan into effect, so far as they are concerned. The “Herald'’ says that the German Government has also been notified to this effect. It adds that it -i s also probable that the United States; would be prepared to lend Germany money with which to pay the French annuities. France,, in such circumstances, would not be excused from her war debt payments. which possibly, would be earmarked for the service of such loan to Germany. REPARATIONS unsettled. ' /Vi • - PARIS t, duly i. The reparat : oiijs ,:difficlilty, Is - not ..settled. . Negotiations tti’B being mUtticd to-morrow,