FRANCO-BRITISH AXIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 January 1939, Page 6

FRANCO-BRITISH AXIS

AS STRONG AS ANY IN EUROPE M. Bonnet on Position in Spain PART ITALY IS TAKING CANNOT BE IGNORED By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) PARIS, January 26. In his speech in the Chamber of Deputies, the French Foreign Minister, referring to Spain, said the part Italy was taking could not be ignored, but the arguments against intervention remained. “We consider it is for the Spaniards to settle their own'affairs,” he continued. “We will not allow our communications with North Africa to be endangered by foreign troops in Spain, or from Morocco or the Spanish Islands. When we informed our British friends of this viewpoint they perfectly understood us. Britain’s attitude has been perfectly loyal. ‘•France has her interests to defend in Spain. We cannot allow any State to interfere in Spain to the extent of threatening French integrity. The Burgos Government has let it be known that it will not allow any foreign Power to settle in the country. “Britain is no less menaced regarding Malta and Gibraltar. I can therefore affirm that tnere is completed Anglo-French solidarity on this question.” M. Bonnet added that Lora Halifax had informed him that Britain would not accept any infringement of Spanish territorial integrity. M. Bonnet declared that the Franco-British axis was as strong as any in Europe. “For this/reason,” he said, “France wants to see Britain develop her military power to a maximum and Britain wishes France to do the same.” “France is determined to maintain the integrity of her empire,” M. Bonnet went on to state. “Let there be no ambiguity. Nobody may lay a finger on the empire. France will not permit any attempt against what has been built up by French blood and biavery and will keep her independence and territories intact.” Alluding to the Far East, he said the Government was determined not to allow any attack against French interests. “We shall not admit,” he said, “that an agreement like the Treaty of Washington can be unilaterally denounced. Engagements with the Soviet and Poland continue and must be carried out in the spirit in which they were contracted.” M. Bonnet concluded: “France has recovered her influence and is ready for any eventuality.” The Chamber of Deputies will vote on a confidence motion as follows:—“The Chamber approves the Government's declaration and is confident of its vigilance to maintain the integrity of the French Empire and the safety of Imperial routes.”