ANGLO-FRENCH RELATIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 391, 30 May 1908, Page 3

ANGLO-FRENCH RELATIONS.

President Falileres Honoured. London, Thursday. President Falileres and the Prince of Wales were guests of the city at luncheon at the Guildhall. There was tremendous enthusiasm. Paris, Yesterday. French newspapers of all shades of politics warmly acclaim the solidity of the entente. The Eclair alone advises caution lest Germany be provoked, adding:—The British Admiralty is madly befit upon destroying Germany ’s squadron. ” The gala performance at Covent Garden was attended by King Edward and Queen Alexandra, President Fallieres, the Prince of Wales, most of the Royal Family, and the rank and fashion of England and the Maharajah of Nepal. The first act from 1 ‘ I Pescatori di Perle ” and the “ Garden Scene” from Faust enabled Tettrazzini and Melba respectively to appear to great advantage. A large party of officers and crews of the Leon and Gambetta were entertained in London. They visited the Exhibition in brilliant sunshine and immense and enthusiastic crowds rendered President Fallieres’ progress to Guildhall a magnificent demonstration. The Lord Mayor’s reception was attended by many of the most distinguished men in the United Kingdom, including Mr Asquith, Mr Balfour and the Archbishop ot Canterbury.

Responding to the Recorder’s address of welcome, M. Fallieres said he rejoiced to see drawing daily closer the cordial relations of the two countries.

The Prince of Wales and Princess Christian attended the banquet in London. The Lord Mayor proposed President Fallieres, who received an ovation. He gracefully described London as the hearth from which radiate the generous | and liberal ideas and indefeasible principles of all progress and civilisation. He referred to the sentiments of trust and lively sympathy animating France towards Great Britian. The Government of the Republic strove with all its might to strengthen the 1 happy relations of friendship and business uniting the two countries. He referred to the brilliant success of the exhibiton. London, May 28.

The Daily News would regard a specific alliance as a disaster for European peace, even if the Republic proved more accommodating than the Temps, and did not insist on our substituting conscript for our voluntary army.

The Telegraph says that whatever the future may bring forth, for the present the entente will suffice.

The Morning Post says the question whether the friendship should culminate in partnership must not be lightly or hurriedly treated. The Chronicle says the cordial understanding may become an alliance, but there is no occasion to force the peace or anticipate the future.

M. Pichon, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, had a long interview with Sir E. Grey, and a complete agreement was established on all questions between Britain and France.

Mr Lloyd-George has instituted a Government fund for affording hospitality to foreign visitors. Referring to the speculations of the French newspapers the Times remarks that the King and Queen’s visit to Russia has helped to foster the illusion that President Fallieres’ visit to London is likely to be followed by some great development in international affairs. The Times thinks that speculations are wholly out of place. While Britain will adhere to the spirit and letter of the entente unflinchingly, the Times fails to see any grounds for endeavouring at present to give it a wider scope and more formal character. Such efforts would defeat their own object and cause misconstruction.