The Sun and the New York herald., 1920-07-18
FRANCE STOPS
FOREIGN RAIDS
ON HER OLD ART
Law Prohibits Export of
Works and Treasures
From Before 1880.
DEALERS ARE INCENSED
Had Expected to Reap Large
Profits Through the Low
Rates of Exchange.
DEALERS ARE INCENSED

sr,cal cable Despatch to THE Sun AND NEW
YoEK HERALD. Copyright, 1920, by THE Sun
AND NEw YORK HERALD
PARIS. July 17.--France would prac-
tlcallv have been robbed of her artistic
patrimony IL she had not passed a law
prohibiting the expectation of her art
works and treasures dating from be-
fore 1880. was the declaration to-day
q, Andre Honorat, Minister of Public
Instruction,
"The law has aroused the opposition
of dealers in art who saw a chance to
reap handsome profits at the low rates
Of exchange especially with men in
America who had become rich during
the war and who came to France
ready to pick up anything that looks
ancient" he said.
However, VI. Honorat decided that fu-
ture French generations should have no
oppor,un!ty to criticise the present Gov
ernment for yielding up art treasures
merely because national finances here
were somewhat short.
TeutOn Treasures Vanishing.
as a result of the depreciation Of the
franc In the foreign exchange markets,
merchants and foreign collectors were
getting ready to empty France of her
artistic inheritance at very little eX-
~ INa uaiH
countries. such as Austria and Germany,
already have seen a large, part OF their
art treasures disappear In this way
Here in France certain departments have
Systematically searched out such treas
ures and have sent them to Paris to
await the arrival of money laden buyers
For instance, near Bayeux foreigners
bought house outright merely to obtain
antinue furniture will admit that this
method smacks somewhat of the gull
lotine In suddenHAss and efficiency but
there was no choice left"
VI. Honorat's scheme Is TO have all
art works in France classified under
public supervision, which would add to
the value of real antiques in years to
come. Such a result. however, would
require many years. and meanwhile the
indscriminate shipment of old works Of
art from France will be prevented, al
though permits to ship them out Of the
country may be granted literally.
To Retain Art Sovereignty.
"When a person is bleeding to death,
the most important thing to do Is to
press the artery harder than ever" he
said. only when the person is out Ct
danger is II wise to apply mildef
treatment. That is the policy we have
adopted TO maintain Frances sovereignty
in the art world. But while export
permits will be granted. the Government
intends to impose the strictest penalties
in order to prevent frauds.
II am told that Paris may lose hef
reputation as an international art mar
ket," VI. Honorat said. This Is not
true, as the law applies only to art
works originating in this country. Art
works from abroad may enter or leave
Frarce without interference. Moreover,
do not fear that the law will have any
effect dlsastrously on exchange rates
even should the yearly turnover in the
art business here reach 100,OOO,OOO
francs"
NJ. Honorat rejected the theory that
the prestige of France was increased by
having French art displayed abroad, hu-
morously suggesting that II this were
true, German vandals should be COM
pensated and not blamed for stealing art
treasures from French chateauX.