PRANCE’S DECISION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 13 December 1932, Page 7

PRANCE’S DECISION

PAYMENT ON CONDITIONS

UNISON WITH BRITAIN. M. HERRIOTS STATEMENT. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received December 13, 12.45 p.m. PARIS, Dec. 12. ‘‘France will pay America with reservations,” summarises M. Herriot’s statement on debts policy which was delivered to a thronged and excited Chamber resembling a fashionable theatre on a first nigiit. M. Herriot refused to specify the reservations as he wished to act unitedly with Britain, “which has shown admirable loyalty, uprightness und confidence.” 'Uie Deputies loudly cheered the statement. “Britain on all subjects, but particularly money matters, is irreproachably upright. She refused to be treated differently from France over the payment on Deoember to.” M. Herriot said France had three alternatives : (1) Payment unreservedly, which was unacceptable. (2) Refusal to pay, also unacceptable. “France’s signature must be honoured,” he said. All hopes of international peace were based on tire sanctity of contracts. The Chamber’s feelings against payment were understandable in view of France’s sacrifices, but the Government had to rise above temporary passions and consider France’s permanent interests. Refusal to pay would intensify anti-French propaganda in America and jeopardise a future settlement. (3) To pay with reservations. This was the only possible course. “If we don’t honour our signature 1 don’t see how we can resume negotiations,” M. Herriot declared. The Chamber adjourned till to-moir-row. Prior to the speech, a meeting of Socialists, on whom M. Herriot relies for a majority, rejected payment in any form pending the summoning of a general debts conference. As the Right is uncompromisingly opposed to payment, and the Centre also ic believed to be hostile, the Government’s position is considered critical, despite the favourable impression created by M-. Herriot’s speech.