FOREIGN RELATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8361, 22 February 1913, Page 6

FOREIGN RELATIONS

FRENCH POLICY THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 21, 9.10 p.m.) PARIS, February 21. Parliament acclaimed the President’s (M. Poincare’s) message, which was countersigned by M. Briand. The message refers to tho urgent need for order and progress in domestic affairs, and the continuance of a frank, prudent, and firm policy of peace abroad. It declares 'that the army and navy are the most useful auxiliaries to diplomacy, and that it is deserving of every sacrifice to make Franco strong in the councils of tho world. M. DELCASSE AMBASSADOR TO ST. PETERSBURG. PARIS, February 20. M. Theophile Delcasse, ex-Foreign Minister, has been appointed Ambassador to St. Petersburg. (Received February 21, 9.10 p.m.) PAIIIS, February 21. There is general satisfaction xxi Parliament and in the Press at M. Delcasse’s appointment to the Ambassadorship. M. Delcasse was born at Pamiers, Aricge, in 1852. He joined the staff of the journal "La Republique Francalse," and wrote articles on foreign politics. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies ixx 1889,' became Undei-Soerotary for the Colonies in 1893, Coloxxial Minister n 1894, and Foreign Minister in 1893. Tbe true histoxy of tho causes leading up r 0 his resignation of the latter position in 1905 has probably not been written. Early that year M. Delcasse concluded aix agreement with Britain in regard to Egypt and Morocco, which countries were considered to be within their respective spheres of influence. The Kaiser was understood to favour the establishment of German naval stations on the Moroccan west coast, and in March he paid a visit to the Mediterranean ports in his yacht. Persistent attacks upon M. Delcasse in the German press followed, and as this criticism was echoed 1 in the French Chamber, the Minister resigned considering that he no longer possessed the necessary authority to conduct the foreign affaire of his country. In M. Poincare's recent Ministry, M. Delcasse held the portfolio of Minister ,oi* Marine. AUSTRIAN COMMENT. “NOTAN ACT OF PROVOCATION.” (Received February 21, 9.10 p.m.) VIENNA, February 21. The newspapers comment on M. M. Delcasse’s appointment and on M. Poincare’s fearless tone. • They say that the appointment to tbe Ambassadorship was decided on before M. Delcasse resigned the Ministry of Marine. Therefore, it was not an act of provocation, but it is expected to cause irritation in Germany. The papers also say that the French firmness is likely to stiffen tho Russians’ attitude in the Balkans.