The New York herald., 1921-07-09
BRAND WILL SAVE
BANQUE De CHINE
Supported by Chamber, but
Vote Smallest He Has
Yet Received.
Special Gable TO THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Copyright, 1921. by THE New York HERALp

Special Gable to THE New YORK HERALD
Copyright, 1921. by THE NEW York HERALr.
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris. July s.
Premier Brands decision to save the
Banque Industrielle de Chine in order
to maintain French prestige in China
resulted in one of the smallest votes Of
confidence he has received since he
formed the new Cabinet. at meeting
Of the Chamber of Deputies this after
noon. The Banque de Chine closed its
doors recently after it was said the
French Ministry of Finance had refused
to extend aid The Premier during the
hot debate to-day. however made it
clear that the reestablishment of the
bank is an issue of such Importance that
he would go to great lengths to accom-
plish it.
The vote, which resulted 35s to 207
in support of the Premier, was on the
question of postponing debate on the
Interpolation regardin ing the banks af-
fairs. Just prior to this vote. on mo-
ton to close discussion a show Of
hands revealed such close division that
ballot was demanded. This gave 800
for and 239 against.
While the question of confidence in
the Premier himself was not involved
the vote was decisive indication of the
grave situation which the banks fail
ure has produced Charges were made
on the floor Of the Chamber prior to the
vote that Philippe Berthelot. Secretary
General Of the Foreign Office, whose
brother. Andre Berthelot Is president OF
the Banque de Chine. had committed
the Government 10 the support of
private bank in kilograms addressed TO
allied Governments last January during
the ministry of former Premier Georges
Leygues. These telegrams NJ Leygues
denied having authorized or signed, but
the name they bore was his
Premier BRAND, however. declined to
permit an official OF the Government to
be made the subject Of such an attack.
"If YOU want a victim" he cried.
attack me. But l will protect an Off
cial until / have found the merits of
your charges"
1t was announced tonight that the
Premier had asked the Ministry of JUS
tice to open an inquiry to determine who
was responsible for sending the tele-
grams.
Since this morning the French Govern
nent has been in direct touch with the
Chinese Government and IL is under
stood there was little opposition to the
renewal of an offer to float a loan which
will not only satisfy all outstanding
claims but will enable the Banque de
Chine to continue In its own name.
1t was brought out during the de-
bate, in a statement by Deputy Berthon.
that 1t would require 300,oo0.s00 francs
10 save the bank. The adjournment OF
the Chamber was followed by spirited
arguments in the corridors. which ap-
parently. IL anything more had been
needed, decided Premier BRAND to make
every effort to preserve the bank ana
with II French influence in China.
During the evening the Premier sent
out letters convoking the heads OF all
the Paris banks to meet with MIN TO-
morrow to devise methods of salvag-
ing the Banque de Chine. The banks
directors tonight approved unanimously
a report to be submitted TO the share
holders at a general meeting July IS,
declaring that all depends upon the dis
position OF the Chinese Government but
that negotiations for rescuing the insti-
tuition are progressing more favoraoiy
than was expected.