FRENCH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1932, Page 6

FRENCH POLITICS

M. HERRTOTT’S STATEMENT.

ON DEBT PAYMENT'S

(Roceivcd this Hhv «t 1‘2.25. P.m ) PARTS, December 12.

“France will pay America with rpfsorvationis,” summarises M. Horriott’s statement on the debt policy delivered to a thronged, excited chamber. resembling a fashionable theatre on the firsifc night. M. Harriott refused to specify the reservation.; a<s he wished to act unitedly with Britain, which has shown admirable loyalty, uprightness and confidence.

The deputies loudly cheered the statement.

“Britain on all subjects, but pair- | ticuhirly money matters, is irreproachably upright. 'She (refused to be treated 'differently from France,, over the payment on loth. December,” M. B«r----ric'let said. France had three alternatives, first, payment unreservedly, which was unacceptable; second, a refusal to pay. which also wan uinuv eeptable as France’s signature must Ire honoured. All hopes of int.unational reary. were h-sed on the sanctity of contracts. The Chamber s j feelings against the payment, were understandable in view of Frances sacrifices, but the Government had to rise above temporary passions and consider France’s permanent interests. A’ refusal to pKy would intensify the anti-French propaganda, in America and jeopardise a future settlement. The third alternative was to pay with rcservatiors. This was the only possible course. If we do not honour our signature, I do not see how we can resume negotiations,” he declared. ' Th e Chamber adjourned till to-mor-row. f Prior to the speech, a meeting ot Socialists on whom M. TTerriott relied for a majority, rejected payment m any form pending the summoning of a general debt conference. As the Right' is uncompromisingly opposed to payment and the Centre is also believed to be hostile the Government position is considered critical, despite the favourable impression created by M. Herriott’s speech.