New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-24
FRENCH FOREIGN POLICY.
n DELCASSE SUSTAINED.
Reasons for Recognizing Panama
Other Relations .drmamentS.

,,.ss NOV a3-The Foreign Minister. NJ Del
- addressed the Chamber OF Deputies to-
-, !, replv 10 questions regarding foreign
-sf.s~s He opened with statement regarding
Panama, ana sala'
an, asked for information concerning the
- a. France Here is what has been done:
S-..-r- received notification that Panama had
Llo-+ifrted herself independent republic,
- a. only 10 consider. once she had fulfilled
" ....csssarv conditions for the maintenance Of
.,-ser what guarantees she oHereo from inc
S---,cb foint Of view.
fIt - ave NOT been without apprehension for
- time Il has been said at BoGota for
e-oral months that the decision OF the Co
s..,bian government prolonglng the canal con-
..ssfon was open for dispute, and that in 1904
-. concession might be declared L have lapsed-
II ms theory had ever been put forward Of
sciaIv we would not have accepted IT, 1t was
our strict duty 20 demand from the Republic OF
Panama assurance that all French interests
including the canal concession, be respected
This assurance has been given Us in decisive
form. the following being the teNtual form OF
THE Republic Of Panama soleunly. expressly
and definitely pledges itself 10 protect V1gilanty
French interests, and 10 maintain and interpret
r. their widest sense the contracts made before
November 3. which, referring TO the isthmus.
follow the transmission Of sovereignty and bind
the Republic of Panama All these contracts
are maintained notably the contract prolong-
ing the concession until 1910"
Under these conditions we had only to follow
the example set by the United states and per-
nit our agents TO enter into relations with all
the agents Of the new republic
The declaration OF the Foreign Minister was
received with applause
NJ. Delcasse then described the conditions in
Macedonia. He said the remedy for the abuses
complained Of was to accord Macedonia reforms
which could be applied to the entire population,
without distinction Of race religion, and TO
extend to every individual protection and the
enjoyment Of the fruits Of his work The re-
forms must be controlled closely. Europe, if
necessary. would bring relief and prevent new
revolts. Russia and Austria had been charged
70 enforce the programme.
In relation 10 SIAM NJ. Delcasse said the gov
eminent was doing everything possible 10 arrive
at a pacific understanding.
Referring TO the Anglo-French arbitration
treaty NJ Delcasse attributed it to the Cars
peace announcement five years ago. praised the
agreement with Great Britain and congratulated
France on the understanding with Italy.
In Morocco the Foreign Minister said that
France was paramount. Nevertheless, French
interests demanded that the country be tranquil
and independent.
At the close Of the general debate on the for
eign policy OF the government, Deputy Hubbard
brought in a motion requesting the government
10 iOin with foreign powers for the purpose OF
limiting the military burdens OF Europe The
Foreign Minister replied that ii was not the
business of France TO make proposals The
French government. II. Delcasse said, had al
ready set the example, as its naval and military
budgets had been decreased year by year, while
the budgets Of other powers had been increased.
II said N Delcasse, the example set by France
was frUitless mere words would be unheeded
and would only compromise the dignity of the
nation. II was not for France to take the initia-
tive.
Socialist. took q prominent part a resolution APP
proving the foreign policy Of the government
was carried by a great majority.