NO CONCESSIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1922, Page 5

NO CONCESSIONS.

SENTENCE ON GERMANY. POLICY OF FRANCE. TREATY OBLIGATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 25, 5.5 p.m. Paris, April 24. M. Poincare, addressing the Meuse Council General, said France would remain at the Genoa Conference only on condition that she is not called upon to make concessions to Germany or to Soviet Russia. It was indispensable that the Allies should retain control of Germany’s armaments, and when Germany had completely disarmed France would gladly follow suit. Whatever occurred at Genoa, the new situation resulting from the Russo-German Treaty was one of the most formidable since the armistice. It must be examined in conjunction with the Allies. France is determined to preserve everything she gained under the Treaty of Versailles.—Reuter Service. M. Poincare declared that if Germany does not comply with the programme of the Reparations Committee by May 31 the Allies, or, if necessary, France alone, will take coercive measures authorised by the treaty. M. Poincare hopes for the Alfies’ support, but intends to uphold the French cause with complete independence. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. M. Poincare said that whatever happens at Genoa the Allies must soon examine the new situation created ny the Rapallo Treaty, which constituted the most formidable problem since the armistice. France insisted on the execution of the Versailles Treaty, which could only be obtained by methodical action, and not by precipitate acts. Hew imprudent French disarmament would be after the conclusion of the Rapallo Treaty, which might embody a direct menace to Poland and an indirect menace to France ? The Allies must retain effective control of Germany’s armaments and aviation, but when Germany completely disarmed France would gladly follow suit.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

. OPINION IN BRITAIN. SPEECH IS “SABRE RATTLING” FRANCE CRITICISED. Received April 25, 11.5 p.m. London, April 25. The Daily Chronicle describes M. Poincare’s speech as sabre rattling. It was unfortunate both in tenor and occasion. “France’s Allies can only repeat what they said when France flourished the sabre at Frankfort. «aamely that if France is going to be a law unto herself regarding Germany, she cannot expect our further assistance,” the paper adds. “If France wants our help to enforce her treaty rights she must proceed solely on the lines of common action. France abandoned these lines firstly at Frankfort, and I secondly when she made the treacherous Angora treaty. If she tries a third such departure British willingness to I co-operate can scarcely survive it.” The Daily News says: “France appears to have entered the conference | with the deliberate intention of smashing it or undermining it. There is every reason to suppose the second device nearly succeeded, and the first may be accomplished at any moment. The ill-advised Rapallo agreement gave M. Poincare a priceless opportunity to ! attempt to kill the conference and frighten Britain into a new military pact with France and the Little Entente. We do not believe Mr. Lloyd George is anxious to entangle Britain in such an alliance, or that he would dare even if tempted.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.