FIRM FRENCH STAND.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 332, 13 January 1937, Page 5

FIRM FRENCH STAND.

INVASION OF MOROCCO. Berlin Heeds Warning Of A United France. Press Association—Copyright. London, January 11. The Paris correspondent o f the Manchester Guardian says in reference to the conference of Colonel) E(eigbeder, the Spanish High Commissioner for Corocco, with M. Serres, French Consul at Tetnan, that “the statements the High Commissibner made to the Consul show that the Spanish authorities are aware of the grave international consequences that would result from the landing of foreign contingents Sn any part of Morocco.” '

That sentence shows that France is ready for immediate action if German or other troops are landed la the Spanish zone. Already 100,000 troops are concentrated in the northern area of French Morocco. Mean while France has not pressed for the removal of foreign troops, which are sufficiently numerous to constitute a menace, but has clearly intimated that she will not tolerate further infringements of the Franco-Spanish treaties..

Tension at Paris regarding Morocco grew less as the result of Herr Hitler's remarks to M. Francois Poncet, French Ambassador, at a diplomatic reception at Berlin, states the correspondent of the Times, Herr Hitler assured him that Germany had no designs in Morocco, adding that he "much deplored Press polemics.” Both the assurance and the regrets are appreciated at Paris, but there is still surprise at the attitude of German newspapers. Despite Herr Hitler’s sentiments M. Poncet replied that France was resolved to respect the integrity of Spain and the status of Morocco within the existing agreements.

Now, although vigilance will not be relaxed, it is hoped that Spanish Morocco, at least for some time, has been removed from th e danger list. The occasion has heartened Frenchmen as proof that possible danger causes the nation to unite and that th© voice of a united France still commands respect.