The New York herald., 1921-11-19
IRATON OF FRENCH NAVY ARMY FAR MADE BY BRAND

ricHtli irdflldnenl uedilHS Win "i ny
reductions. These bills are Government
bills brought in on the initiative OF the
Government and show our desire to di-
minish our armed forces 10 the greatest
possible extent. The French army or
ganization is very complicated. and II
would take me long time TO so into the
various details affecting our compulsory
service. Nevertheless, in my speech on
Monday ] shaI, try shortly to explain
the new legislation which Is before the
French Parliament.
The money we spend on our army
is money TO assure our national exist
encc. 1t is wrong to think that the
danger no longer threatens us. To-day
the French army is the guarantee OF
European stability. If conditions In
no longer adopt the attitude she has
shown toward the treaty we should ask
nothing better than to carry smaller
burden of armametts.
I'VE are, however, asking nothing
of other nations. Oar demand is only
to be left alone. There was time
when we were almost led to expect some
other provision for our safety. but we,
cannot now depend on this France Is
alone. and must, therefore. act without
help from the outside.
An Ever Present Danger.
at is all very well for people to say
Don't worry: there Is no real danger
and If something happens We shall help
you We know already how easy it
might be for the necessary assistance
TO fail to be on hand in time TO save us.
Jr, however some way IL found OF re-
moving the necessity for our armaments
IRA r1pa slks nothing hpttar't
AS regards interalied debts. Nj. Bri-
and remarked incidentally, that this
question was not on the agenda of the
Washington conference, and that. pre-
sumably. it would not be brought up.
France, at any rate would not suggest 1t.
'It would not be gracious of us to
propose n discussion which Is on the
American programme" he said. 1--WE
were invited here on definite pro-
gramme and we cannot accept the in
vitation wishing TO change it, That
would not be an act of politeness on
our paie France intends to pay her
debts as soon as she can. These debts
were contracted at moment of crises
in the midst of a great war and there
fore, though we intend to pay them. we
have to say frankly that we are not in
g position to do so at the present mo-
me nt."
Turning then to naval matters the
French Premier stated without hesita-
ton that France did not share England's
views in the matter OF submarines and
that Frances present naval strength
was not UP to the mark which her
proper proportion OF naval power would
dictate.
The submarine" said NJ. BRAND. lis
the weapon of the poor. 1T is not costly
to build and can be kept up without
great expense. On this question of sub
marines | do not share the opinion OF
Mr.. Balfour. and 1 regard the resolution
which the British propose to be impossi
BILE Of acceptance. We quite understand
the views put forward by other countries,
but France does not share them. France
has to defend herself In three seas, and
though she is less interested in capital
ships she needs other craft for defensive
purposes.
"The situation In the Pacific said the
French Premier, ''is very confused and
complicated. I have already made
statement before the Far Eastern COM
mittee. 1t will not be easy to settle all
the questions, but as none OF the Powers
perialistic or selfish aims it should not
be difficult to arrive at an understand
ing.
II expect that by the time leave the
conference WILL in respect OF all ques-
tions before it, have reached a point
where all are agreed OH matters or
principle and that only the details will
then have to be worked out. ] am sorry
I have to go back, but it was only with
great difficulty that I was able TO get
away. I left France right in the middle
of parliamentary session and in the
midst of the discussion of the budget
Many things have been postponed until
my return, and even now I shall find a
great accumulation of things to attend
to-"
M. BRAND announced that his speech on
land armaments was definitely fixed for
morning. Marshal Foch will re-
turn to Washington and will be present
at the time NJ. BRAND makes his decla-
ration on the French army.
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