The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-12-30
STORMY DEBATE
IN FRANCE OVER
NATIONS LEAGUE
France to Support England in
Freedom of Seas Question,
Says Premier.
(By Associated Press,

PARIS, Dec. 30-In addressing the
chamber of deputies last night Pre-
mier Clemenceau made it plain that
it was his intention to support Great
Britain in the peace negotiation on
the question of the freedom of the
seas and he declared that his atti-
tude in this matter was approved by
President Wilson
Premier Clemenceau was given a
vote OF confidence, $50 to 1874. in the
chamber of deputies yesterday after
a stormy debate during which the war
aims of France were outlined by Ste,
phen Pichon, foreign minister and
the premier had indicated his adher-
ence to "the old system Of alliances
called the balance Of power"
1t was indicated by the premier that
the formation OF a league Of nations
might be carried out coincidentally
peace. M. Renaudel, socialist. brought
about this statement by expressing
his regret that the allies had decided
not to organize the league until after
peace had been declared. :
Nothing of the Sort" was the ans
wer of NJ Clemenceau.
Whether this chamber gives me a
vote of confidence or not, / am ready
to resign office he continued IF
you have a minutes hesitation. now is
the time to change your pilot. You
cannot do 1t when we are under way
Situation Difficult.
Replying to charges made by Albert
Thomas, Socialist leader, that he had
kept the chamber without information,
Premier Clemenceau said:
"The question of peace is terrible
1t is question which is one of the
most difficult ever submitted to the
nation at any time. In a few days a
conference Of delegates will meet at
Paris which will settle the fate OF
nations in all parts Of the world.
People say Premier Lloyd George
has spoken. President Wilson has
spoken. but you have said nothing.
have given explanations whenever
you have asked me. But it is not be-
cause Mr.. Lloyd George has spoken
or because Mr.. Wilson has arrived
from America with elevated thoughts
that l am obliged to express myself
and keep running to the speaker
rostrum.
France was in an especially diff
cult situation. 1t was the country
nearest Germany. America was far
away and took her time to come into
the war. England came at once at the
call Of Mr.. Asquith. We suffered and
fought; our men were moved down
and our towns and villages were des
troyed.
Approves Alliance.
There is an old system of alliances
called the balance of power 1t seems
to be condemned nowadays. but il
such balance had preceded the war;
If England. the United States. France
and Italy had agreed, say, that who
ever attacked one Of them attacked
the whole world, the war would not
have occurred. This system of al
liances, which I do not renounce, will
be my guiding thought at the peace
conference If your confidence sends
me there.
81 have been reproached with de
ceiving President Wilson. I do not
understand why. have made 1t a
rule not to question him. but to lei
him develop his views. That IS what
he did. President Wilson. to whom
certain persons, in the interest OF
their parties. attribute intentions
SOU STU lou aIe 'sdeqIed 'QoIuA
opened his mind and has inspired res
pect through his simple speech and
the nobility Of it.
president Wilson said to me: y
viii! try to convince you, but perhaps
you will convince me-"