A PARISIAN SENSATION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8779, 5 April 1907, Page 2

A PARISIAN SENSATION.

Press Association - Copyright. Parts, April 4.

A sensation has been caused in Paris by newspapers publishing documents found in the House of Monsignor Montagnini who acted as semi-official representative of the Pope after recall of the Nuncio. Amongst casual references in the documents to King Edward's visit to the Pope it is stated that King Edward declined an escort from the Quirinal as not respectful to the Pope. Monsignor Montagnini alleges that the Eight Hon. F. L. Bertie, British Ambassador in Paris, was bitter against the Kaiser and disapproved of the separation of Church and State. He declares on Deputy Piou's authority that M. Clemcneeau wanted money and could be bribed to become more moderate towards thjjchurch, but it must be a large sum.

M. Clemcneeau gives a flat denial of certain alleged conversations and accuses Monsignor Montagnini of fabricating tl-om for his own ends. Pion also denies the statement attributed to him.

M. Clemenceau, in a vehement letter to Le Figaro, declares that M. Piou, who is the most militant member of the Catholic party, accuses tbo Papal representative of lying to the Pope by attributing calumnies to a dear friend of his own. He says Monsignor Montaginini had no interest in inventing the whole extravagant story. M. Piou's interest in speaking as alleged was evident, because at the time ho was leading to battle all tho enemies of the Republic under tho banner of Rome. London, April 4. , The- Times' Paris correspondent says nobody acquainted with Mr Bertie can suppose that ho assumed with Monsignor Montagnini, whom ho saw for the first time, the confidential tone attributed to him.