New-York tribune., 1922-12-23
France Stands
Or Falls on u. s.
Naval Treaties
Poincare's Government De
cides to Back Washington
in Ratification of Pact
Despite Other Powers
America Not Obligated
Brandegee No Alliance Res
ervalion Is Acceptable,
Saws NJ. BRAND in Speech

PARIS. Dee. % tBy The AsIociased
Press).--The French government to-day
committed Itself through recon-
rnendation made TO the Foreign Affairs
Commission Of the Chamber Of pepu-
ties By Premier PoineHre to stand or
fail on the question Of ratification Of
the Washington naval agreement
Aristlde BRAND, former Premier and
chief Of tho French delegation a.
Warrington, seconded the stand Of ~
Poineare on the question. which also
embraced the four-power treaty a.
amended IN the United states senate
By Senator Brandpgee, of Conneetieut.
Ths Premier declared that the reser'
vstlon OF Mr. Brandegee would IN no
way "entail military participation.
That the Chamber WAS practically
agreed upon ratification was shown
when 81. BRAND, leader OF the Left
and Andre Tardieu, head OF the Gle
nencists, both announced their sup
port Of the Premier IN his attempt 70
put the treaties through.
mandei An Opponeht
Georges Mandel, former chief Of The
Csbinet under Premier Clemcnceau
vas one Of the few dissenters. L. Sar'
raut Who signed the final document,
In Washington as member Of the
poineAre Cabinet, although appointed
by N. BRAND. rtanehly advocated rati'
hcAtion.
awe have been very we'll treated By
Washington" Premier Poineare told
the commission with reference 70 the
naval ratios agreed upon at the anna
ment conference.
eve could not build any heavy ar
naored ships before FIVE years, any
vey." ne added. Without Ia any way
endangerinR the French interests IN
the east or west, but with the best In.
tentions for the general welfare oi
France. we must ratify the Washington
treaties" said N. BRAND.
The governments viewpoint, as e.
.presFed By NJ. Poincare, found stern
opponent In NJ. Gusrnler.' who declared
France had been put IN the same posi-
tion as Italy by the Washington ac-
cords, 90 far IS naval armauents were
concerned.
Must Outdlstanoe Italy
1--WE must have more ships than
italy" he argued, because We have
more colonies and longer seaboards."
The commission decided 20 refer the
matter TO a sub-commission, which viii
report back Immediately after the New
Years recess NJ. Guernler explained
TO The Associated Press, however. that
there was "little chance Of the Nath-
inRton naval agreements coming before
the Chamber for open discussion be-
fore the 18th Of January, a. We have
other important matters 20 attend 90,
including the budget"
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.-The Bran
deeee "no alliance" reservation re-
ferred 70 By Premier Poincare IN Paris
to-day IN connection with ratification
Of the Washington conference treaties
apparently IL the reservation proposed
20 the four-power Pacific treaty BY
Senator Brandegce. Republican, Con-
necticut, and subsequently reported
and sponsored by tht Foreign Rela-
tions Committee after changes had
been made In the text. II was adopt
cd By the Senate without change as
reported b. the committee, the vote
being e2 20 2. It's text follows;
"The United States understands that
under the statement In the preamble
or under the terms OF this treaty there
is no commitment TO armed force, no
alliance, no obligation 20 join IN any
defense"