THE CONFERENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1921, Page 5

THE CONFERENCE

DEPARTURE of m. briand. FRANCE’S PEACE POLICY, NO DESIRE FOR WAR. MESSAGE FOR GERMANY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn..—Copyrigtt. Received Nov. 26, 12.5 a.m. New York, Nov. 24. M. Briand (Premier of France), in a speech prior to embarkation, said: “In coming here I was certain to find that the conference would lend an effective arm to the views of France. I was not surprised, therefore, at my explanations at the Washington Conference being welcomed with such unanimous applause. I had pleasure in seeing and hearing all the representatives of other countries, who had been our allies, who all have perfect trust in my country. France should never fear moral isolation, France has an army which is ready to serve the world by protecting it against disorder and anarchy in whatever form they may present themselves.” The Premier pointed out that France did not trample on Germany as the latter did in 1871, and she did not use her army to collect German reparations. He added: “In spite of the many houses in mourning in our country I cannot say there is any feeling of hatred in our hearts. There is one condition where Germany can fulfil her obligations, that is for the old Germany to disappear—the Germany which was a nation of prey—leaving room for a Germany of peace and liberty, recognising the rights of other peoples. But the old Germany has not disappeared; it is still lying in wait, and would you like France to say that she was going to lay down arms, do nothing and see her neighbor go ahead with an army? France has no right to desert her own cause, or the cause of peace, because if she weakened herself there would be an end to the peace of the world. THE ROAD TO PEACE. “I would like to say to German-Ameri-cans, who fought nobly by the side of France in the war: ‘Why do you not speak across the seas to those who belong to your former country? Why don’t you tell them that you have nothing to fear from. France?’ We are only too ready to encourage and conciliate Germany. We shall do everything in our power to discourage and avoid the reasons for war and secure peaceful relations, not only between us and Germany, but the whole world. Whatever solutions may be the outcome of the Washington Conference —and there will be many resolutions which France will be glad to support —they will mark a serious step on the road of progress and peace.” M. Briand, taking farewell of the conference, paid a tribute to the courageous initiative of the American Government. He expressed the deepest gratitude to his colleagues for the words spoken, addressed to France.

He was certain the exchange of friendly declarations which had taken place before the whole world would enable Europe to take a great step forward on the road to peace. No longer would anyone be able to say that the armaments in France masked the offensive intentions of to-morrow. The French Parliament would take up the consideration of the military problem with a desire to make the greatest possible progress in the realm of the reductioiU-of military burdens. Probably the term of military service would be reduced by half. M. Briand expressed thanks for the words spoken at Washington, and declared his belief that a decision would be reached in the serene atmosphere. “MY MISSION SUCCESSFUL.”

M. Briand, interviewed, said: “I regard my mission here as successful.” He considered he was taking back to his countrymen a recognition of the special position of France. He had been assured of support. France was not asked to limit her army any further than was her intention before the conference. He refrained from asking for any special formal resolution, because he thought that might restrict the effect of the words spoken by all the delegates. It is understood thia resolution may be tabled before the conference adjourns. Finally the question of land armaments has been practically shelved so far as this conference is concerned, except such 'matters as to-day were referred to sub-committees. Not enough nations are represented here, and until all the European Powers agree together, including Russia, Germany, and the Little Entente, there is no chance of general disarmament. Lord Beatty confirms the report that he is departing and indicates that things are going well. He declares that very satisfactory progress has been made. He is leaving with equanimity. AMERICA’S NEW POSITION. PART IN EUROPE’S AFFAIRS. Paris, Nov. 24. Speaking at the American Club, Mr. Herrick, United States Ambassador, said: “We Americans were recalled by the war from our money-making, and at last the great intellect of America has begun to understand that America must co-operate in the economic re-es-tablishment of the world. We have recognised it is our manitest duty to restore the balance of the broken-down world.” The Figaro, referring to M. Briand’s departure from America, says: “It must be considered that the results of the conference are negative.” The Washington correspondent of the Westminster Gazette says it is plain that France and Italy could, if they chose, make Mr. Hughes’ naval plan impossible. A recognition of this fart comes with a certain shock to American opinion, but it is necessary . and salutary, helping to show Americans the impossibility of their cutting loose from Europe.