New-York tribune., 1922-04-25
Pojncarc Asserts RapalIo
Pact JustiGcs French
Army Policy and Insists
1t Must Be Annulled
May 81 TO Be Test
OF German Honesty
Declares Berlin Shall Not
Bc Permitted 10 De-
fault i'm Preparations
sp Cubie 10 1he Tribune


Copyright, 1922, New York Tribune Inc.
BAR LIE DUO. France, April 24.-[n
ringing speech here to-day Premier
Poincare declared that the French
delegation to the Genoa economic con-
ference would remain there only on
condition that no concessions were
made to Germany or Russia.
"If :he French dclegation,' he said,
cannot adhere to the original condi-
tions upon which the gathering was
called and make those ideas triumph,
We will regretfullY withdraw. as we can
no longer collaborate. We have tried
to make the conference a success. Our
conciliatory and peaceful intentions
are again on trial. We still adhere to
our determination that reparations and
treaties shall not be discussed at
Genoa"
The Premier intimated that France
would demand the annulmcnt Of the
German Russian treaty. Although Eng
land and italy are ready to accept the
treaty, he said, France. backed by
Belgium and the Little Entent., will
leave no stone upturned to separat te
Germany and Russia. Poincare con-
siders that this rev rspprochement is
menace to Poland and an indirect
menace to France.
Upset Europe Forecast -
"Nhatevcr the future attitude
Germany and Russia the Premle
said. "it is evident that the situation
resulting from the treaty will over
turn the equilibrium of Europe re-
gardless Of what happens in Genoa.
I'VE will examine without delay
created by the Russo German conyen
ton in order to determine its conse
ouerccs, both as regard the Versailles
Treaty and the future conservation o.
peace in Europe. The Allies face one
o. the most formidable problems since
the armistice. Let us hopo that they
will be able to act in unison. France
will attempt TO convince them never te
answer intimidations by weakness.
"F'rance is prepared to take the mat
ter In its own hands, rs the Treaty Of
Versailles authorizes. in order to pro
tcct her rights and interests"
French Policy Justified
With this danger threatening Europe
the Premier pointed out, France has
shown the correctness OF her judg-
ment in maintaining her army.
Poincare declared that the govern
ment had not changed front with re-
gard to the strict adherence to the
Versailles Treaty and that no conces-
sions would be made that impaired
French rights under that agreement
SO long as he holds the reins Of gov
ernment, he said, there would be no
yielding on these points.
While intinating that he is far from
being satisfied at the progress thus
Ear made at Genoa by the French dele
gates, he said that France would con-
tinue in an effort to make the CON
ference success. He pointed out the
Willingness of France to make reason
able conces ssions, as shown by the man
ner in which Barthou consented to the
indulgent reprimand to Germany fol
having negotiated treaty with Russia
under circumstances which were con.
sidered dishonorable in France.
Despite all obstacles, Poincare is de-
termined to maintain the dignity OF
France and at the same time show that
she is strong enough to force Germany
to meet her obligations.
May 81 Warning Emphasized
The Premier repeated the warning
that Germany had until May 81 to meet
the conditions Of the moratorium re-
quired by the Reparation Commission
If Germany defaults France will at
tempt to act in unison with the Allies,
but if necessary she will act alone, he
said. For this France will take the full
responsibility, he said adding: "W
will not allow our unfortunate country
TO succumb under the weight Of rcpa-
rations alongside Of Germany, who will
not make the necessary effort to free
herself from debt
The Premier likewise gave the warn
ing that military control must be con-
timed over Germany until she proves
her Willingness to live in peace with
her neighbors. The continual finding
of hidden munitions proves that she
has no such present intent, he said: On
the other hand, the Premier disclalm ed
any intention on the part of France to
annex any foreign lands or populations
such a move being contrary to the es-
sential character of the fredeom-l loving
people of the country. France, he said
would remain in the Rhineland only sc
long as was necessary to safeguard the
fulfilment Of the treaty, and as soon
as Germany showed a readiness to
meet her treaty obligations France was
ready to quit the Rhine.