INTERWOVEN DESTINIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 July 1938, Page 6

INTERWOVEN DESTINIES

FRIENDSHIP OF BRITAIN AND FRANCE His Majesty’s Speech in Paris AIMS OF THE GREAT DEMOCRACIES By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. > (Received This Day, 12.1 p.m.) PARIS, July 19. The King, in a speech at tonight's banquet said: “In spite of the strip of sea separating us, our two countries have seen their destinies inevitably drawn together with the passage of centuries, and it would now be impossible to recall a period in which their relations have been more intimate. In the past the great men of both countries were somewhat slow to appreciate each others qualities. This is no longer the case. Long and close collaboration has succeeded in proving that we are inspired by the same ideal. Our peoples have an attachment to democratic principles, which are best suited to their national genius, and we have the same belief in the benefits of individual liberty. We are proud of this political faith, which we share with other great nations, but we fully realise that it carries with it heavy responsibilities, and in the period in which we live it demands from us all to a high degree noble qualities of courage, wisdom and determination. “At the same time, as. the .President has said, there is nothing exclusive in the understanding between us. Our friendship is directed against no other Power. On the contrary, it is the ardent desire of our Governments to find by means of international agreements a solution of those political problems which threaten the peace of the world and of those economic difficulties which restrict human well-being. The action of our Governments is thus directed toward a common goal—that of assuring the happiness of the peoples of the world by means of true co-operation.” The King expressed his gratitude to the President for “the opportunity to stress the bonds of friendship which unite France and Britain,” adding: “I am deeply touched by the wishes you have expressed for the greatness and prosperity of my country and my Dominions beyond the seas.” MUTUAL IDEALS. FOR GREATER GOOD OF CIVILISATION. ' (Received This Day, 12.35 p.m.).,,. LONDON, July 19. President Lebrun, speaking at the banquet in Paris, said he was happy to be the interpreter of the feelings of s'incere joy with which the people of France greeted the august sovereigns of a nation which was France’s friend, born of long tradition, mutual esteem and respect, confirmed by constant contact of thoughts and efforts consecrated by the hardest trials and inspired by the same ideal of liberty and peace. “In the world’s present state.-of moral unrest great obligations still lie upon our two nations,” said M. Lebrun. “Both are equally interested in human progress and the maintenance of peace within the limits of respect for international law. More than ever the perfect understanding between the two peoples appeals to essential element of security and concord for the greater good of civilisation and peace. No Power, moreover, could • take umbrage at it, since it excludes no other friendship. lam persuaded that your Majesty and your Government will work like myself and the Government of the French Republic to give this living reality a wider and more active and beneficient significance.” KING SPEAKS IN FRENCH. DECORATIONS CONFERRED GN QUEEN AND PRESIDENT. (Received This day, 1.15 p.m.) PARIS, July 19. The King, at the banquet, spoke in French and the guests commented on his excellent accent. After dinner, a reception was held, attended by four hundred. The King wore the uniform of a field-marshal and the Queen a white dress, with a white fur collar. . ' The King bestowed on President Lebrun the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. Ivl. Lebrun decorated the Queen with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. The boulevards tonight are thronged with festive crowds, armed with tricolours and Union Jacks.