The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-12-25
ANGLO-FRENCHT TIES
SECRETLY CEMENT TED
Cooperation in Face of AggreS-
sive Move Against Either
BINDS GERMANY TO PEACE
Relations Between Countries So Inti-
mate That Chief English Mission
Admitted to Conferences of
French General Staff.

Paris, December 2-The Associated
Press has obtained some interesting in
formation regarding the progress of An
glo- French relations which led to the re-
cent erroneous reports that the entente
of 1901 had been supplemented by mill
tary ornaval convention. Mutual cooper
alton on sea and land in the face of an
aggressive move against either is re-
garded as assured both at the quai Dor
say and in Downing street The ma
chinery of diplomacy has, however, been
serupulously avoided in the accomplish
ment of this result. No notes or drafts
of conventions have been exchanged.
Nothing has passed through the only
channels recognized by governments as
qualified to bind countries which could
be challenged by Germany as aimed at
her Isolation
Combination Against Germany.
Nevertheless, in subtler and quite as
effective fashion the combination against
Germany so far as France and England
are concerned, can be considered a "fait
aecompli." The other ramifcations of
the diplomacy, which is called in Eng
land the policy Of Binding Germany over
to keep the peace" (Which includes the
Russian English entente. the cementing
of closer relations between Spain and
England and the weaving away of Italy
from the triple-alliance) are also making
progress.
1t was regarded as preferable to lay
the basis of mutual support primarily in
a broad and deep friendship between the
two peoples. The entente cordiale ad-
iusting outstanding differences had no
sooner been signed than the campaign Of
friendship was inaugurated. All kinds Of
visits were exchanged, furnishing occa-
sions for celebrating the new-found
friendship and now a great Anglo-French
exposition in London has been planned
for 1905
Morocco Crisis.
Matters had reached such state dur
ing the Morocco crisis that England
physical well as diplomatic support
was certain, had the sword been un-
sheathed. At that time military and
naval authorities of the two countries
were in communication and after the
crisis had passed they proceeded to work
out in "a purely technical fashion," plans
of cooperation by land and sea to meet
certain eventualites. So intimate had the
relations between the military depart
mems of the two countries become last
summer that General French, the chief
of the English mission detailed TO attend
the French maneuvers. was admitted to
the conferences Of the French general
staff during the maneuvers and listened.
if he did not participate in the discus
slons.
proposition to reduce the size OF the
cavalry arm of the French army is at
tracing much attention I'm the army. in
parliament and in the press. The discus
sion revolves about the necessity OF
strengthening the artillery upon which
the fate of modern battle depends. AS
parliament viii not listen to an Increase
OF military expenses, the only possibility
of strengthening the artillery is at tha
expense of another arm OF the service
and all are agreed that cavalry can be
sacrificed with least danger