FRANCE’S POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1922, Page 5

FRANCE’S POLICY.

FRIENDLY TO ALLIES, REPARATIONS DEMANDED. CONCESSIONS REFUSED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 20, 8.5 p.m. __ _ . Paris, Jan. 19. Poincare (the Premier) delivered a Ministerial statement to a crowded Chamber. He was constantly applauded by the Right, mingled with interruptions from the Socialists and Communists. M. Poincare said he would be very happy if a pact were signed between England and France on a footing of perfect equality; it would benefit both countries. Th? new Cabinet had no ambition except to assure Parliament’s close co-operation and respect for the treaties which were laid down in con* ditions of peace. Congratulating Parliament on voting the Budget, he pointed out that we can only hope to save French finances if Germany, on whose account France expended many milliards, carries out finally her engagements and repairs the damage which she caused. It would be a scandalous injustice if France, after suffering such inestimable aggression, and by which ten departments were devastated. should, after victory, have to pay the cost of ruin and pensions to the victims. He protested against the shameful propaganda which sought to picture France as Imperialistic. France bought a* a higher price than others the peace which she now desired to consolidate. He added: “We only demand observance of the treaty and payment of our dues. How can France give way on this vital point? Germany pretends she is insolvent. and then diplomaticallv squanders her State resources. But if the State is ruining itself the nation is getting rich, which is the security for the national debt.” Referring to the Genoa Conference, M. Poincare said France would insist that the conditions laid down in the Cannes protocol should either be accepted or rejected by the delegates before any discussion and before the stipulations of the treaty could even be indirectly interfered with at Genoa. Unless complete guarantees were given on this head France must claim complete freedom of action. We must also arrange with Italy and England so as to prevent a resumption of hostilities between the Turks and the Greeks. “The new Government,” he added, “will endeavor to maintain the most friendly relations with our late Allies, especially the United Statea. We will have a constant desire to use only language of moderation in frank friendship. knowing the Allies will never take offence at' seeing us uphold with courteous firmness the interests of France in the same wav that they uphold their own interests. The Supreme Council can no longer be the sole instrument for the interpretation or modificatibn of the Versailles or other treaties. France can make no concession regarding reparations.” He was prepared to treat with the Allies regarding Angora and Tangier. He regretted the pact of guarantee had been published prematurely. There could not be in this .pact either protectors or protected, but only friends who had the same interests. M. Poincare concluded: “We shall not oniv ask the Allies to judge war criminals, but will ask Germany to hand them over. If Germany refuses it will be a fresh reason for applying penalties, including the continuance of occupation of the left bank of the Rhine.”—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.