The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-08-06
Baron d'EstOurnelles de Constant
Says Time Is Ripe for Anglo
French Agreement.
HOPES TO REDUCE nAvIEs.
Will Propose Similar Understand
ing With. United States When
He Comes 10 st. Louis Next
Year to Speak on Diplomacy.

Paris Aug. 5.-Baron d'Estourneles cs
Constant. who headed the French Parma
mentary Arbitration Group on its recent
visit TO London has written an important
letter to Foreign Minister Delcasse, setting
forth the results OF the recent exchanges
of views in London and Paris between
members of the British and French Parlia-
ments and the leading Ministers of the two
Governments.
The conferences included those with For
eign Minister Lansdowne and Colonial Sec
rotary Chamberlain. and there is good rea-
son to believe that Baron d Estourneiles de
Constant in the references he makes in his
letter to the conclusion of an arbitration
treaty for the settlement of the outstand-
ing Angio-French difficulties. has the dis
tinct approval of those controlling Great
.Britain's foreign policy while his sugges-
ton for reduction OF naval force is due
entirely to the initiative of the leading
members of the British Ministry.
The letter says that for twenty years the
fear of parliamentary opposition has alone
prevented the settlement of the Anglo
French difficulties and now that that fear
is dispelled. nothing prevents the adoption
of conciliatory policy.
All the British statesmen whom he saw.
without distinction of party, says the Baron.
were unanimous in desiring this suggested
new policy. which must be as clearly de-
fined as the former one was obscure.
THREE OBJECTS.
The new policy has three essential OBJ
1ects: First. the conclusion of a reasonable
arbitration treaty. similar to that nesou-
ated between Great Britain and the United
states. and in accordance with Clause 10 OF
The Hague International Arbitration Con-
ventioni second. a reduction in the over
Wheiming naval expenses, in agreement
with France and Russia concerning which
the Baron claims to have received categor-
lcal verbal and written assurances; third,
Z, friendly settlement OF the outstanding
differences. which for twenty years have
macy.
Baron d'Estournelles de Constant urges
Munster Delcasse not to let this favorable
moment slip by. and declares that with
equal good will on both sides. these three
general agreements. with Great Britain can
De signed in few months.
he finally announces his intention OF put.
ting a question TO the Minister On the sub
Lament reassembies.
Speaking to the correspondent of the AS
ISOLATED Press. Baron de Constant said:
we have endeavored TO free the subject
OIL all utopianism. and make an absolutely
practical proposition. We expect that the
beginnings row made will be extended I'M
I'll there exists similar basis of agree
ment throughout the countries of Europe
and America. (:
views between the members of the French
and British Parlfaments, next wish to &
see similar exchange between American
and Freneh pariamentarians., I expect to
90 to st. Louis next year to deliver an adj 2
1ress on diplomacy at the International
congress In connection with the Exposition,
bringing to Europe a deisSafian Of repre-
sentative American officiaH and pariianien-
arms who are certain to be accorded
antic."