JUSTICE TO FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1922, Page 8

JUSTICE TO FRANCE.

. ADMIRAL DE BON’S DEFENCE. INSULTING ASPERSIONS. New York, Feb. 9. Addressing the American Society for the restoration of Devastated France. Admiral de Bon, who was one of the French delegates at the Washington Conference, said that in what was a supreme insult, someone dared to pretend that. France had warlike ideas, susceptible of being directed against her Allies of yesterday—Britain and the United States. It was not France who voted against the abolition of the submarine at the Washington Conference. It was all the nations except Britain. All the others decided that.it was practically impossible to do away with the submarine. France had kept to a submarine tonnage of 90.000, because that was the United States’ proposal France’s military establishment is necessary to her security.

“Where is the League of Nations, the almighty protector of peace, which was to guarantee French security?” asked the admiral. “It is time legends about French intentions were dispelled. The naval treaty limits France to one-sixth of her normal sea power, while other countries must reduce by about onethird the extraordinary power gained in the race for armament.

“In spite of the unnecessary, unjustified and unaccountable agitation which entangled its works.” proceeded the admiral. “everyone is justly praising the results of the conference. France is the only nation which did not get any benefit out of the understanding reached. France has no guarantee of security in any part of the world, but the unhealthy atmosphere will repay those who even before we left France described the French as seeking privileged treaties, the cancellation ot debts, etc. They will grow tired of their perfidious campaign, and justice will be granted to honor the loyalty, generosity, neaceful intentions of France.”