The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-11-19
ONLY WAY TO
PREVENT WAR
But for French Army Conflict
Would Have Broken Out
Several Times Lately.
RUSSIAN TROOPS ARE
MENACE TO ALL EUROPE
Would Have Been Anarchy in
Central Europe if There Had
Been Fewer French Troops.
fBy The Associated Press)

AtAOIllNAF IA&Nt H. ~ -NON. 10
War would have broken out in Europe
three or four times since the signing
OF the armistlce had It not been for
the French army. Premier BRAND de-
clared today In conversation with
American newspaper CORES ondents.
The French premier was discussing his
forthcoming speech Monday before the
third plenary session of the arms con-
ference. which he said would not be
an oration. but rather an explanation.
II shall ask the American people"
said he, Ito place themselves in the
position or the French people for three
quarters Of an hour, and survey the
European situation as we see it and
feel It.
France does not want a large army
any more than you do. We wish 1t
were possible to reduce It below the
minimum that we now have in mind,
bat we must. as we are alone. secure
ourselves. France is not asking for
any guarantees, she is not asking for
anything If It were possible for Great
Britain. the United States and Italy to-
say Tf you are attacked we will be-
with you then 1t would be possible
for us TO disarm But II you simply
say DO not be afraid: tranquilize your
selves; no one is going to attack you
that Is not sufficient.
"There is the Russian army Of onel
million and a half Yot1- must say why
DO you mention that Russia is not att
tacklng YOU Poland IS the only bar
rier. II France had not had strong
army last year the barrier would have
been in Germany. There would have
been anarchy IN central Europe. No,
we must have an army to secure our
selves and maintain order"
M. BRAND turned to other subjects
I'VE cannot look upon the subma-
rine question in the same way as Mr..
Baifour." he continued. France must
defend herself on three seas and we
have possessions remote from our
country. Mr. Balfour said nothing re-
specting maintaining communications
that would not apply to us. France
abandoned her construction program of
1912 when the war came on, and nearly
al on our light vessels were destroyed
during the war. They have not been
replaced The French navy Of today
cannot be taken as a proportional
standard"
The French prime minister did not
so further on the submarine question,
although he was pressed with ques-
tions. He replied that as the naval ex-
perts were In process OF determining
limitations he must wait until they
had arrived al conclusions.
'T shall be sorry to leave at an inter-
esting moment In the conference" con-
tlnued N. BRAND. Il left Rrance when
parliament was IA full course. Sew
erai important and delicate questions
arc being delayed by my absence, par
ticularly tho French budget. / have
no right to remain away longer be-
cause II did, my valise would be over
packed with too many difficulties But
] wanted TO come, and l am glad did |
I believe the principles OF a settlement
on far eastern questions and naval re-
strictlon win have been settled by the
time / must leave
'These settlements will give us
peace; but not only peace in the ordi- !
nary sense, but, I hope peace Of mind |
1.-The atmosphere Of peace. Neither
Great Britain, the United States. Ja-
pan nor France have imperialistic de- |
signs on China. we win, I trust. be
able to form an entente on far eastern /
questions, So that China shall have
territorial integrity and political inde-
nendence"
Some one mentioned the war debts |
whether they would be discussed
"The debts are not on the program |
laid before us BY the American gov !
ernment" replied M, Brian. "Conse-
quently the debts win not be discussed.
We are not asking that they shall be
we take the program as It Is provided. |
We shall pay the debt. II was in /
sense contracted for our common pur-
pose during the war and we shall have
20 have some time. but we shall pay
IT,"
The premier did not Indicate when
hea would return TO the Washington
conference. During his absence. NJ.
viFiani. former premier OF France, wInI
be head OF the delegation.