The Washington herald., 1922-01-20
First Speech Indicates
Use of Brands STRAIT
egy Toward u. S.
SEES VALUE IN
OUR FRIENDSHIP
Nationalist Attitude for
Perfect Equality" and
Full Reparations.

PARIS, Jan. ls.-The French Ma
tionalfsts, headed by Premier Poin-
care, apparently still hope to play
the United States to the profit of
France.
Nationalist influence is regarded
as having led former Premier Bri-
and to enter the Washington con-
ference with the idea that he could
drive a wedge to Frances diplo-
matte advantage. And the first
speech of Premier Poincare before
the French chamber today Is inter-
preted as revealing the new head of
the government carrying this same
strategy into office with him.
Poincare welcomed the prospect
of a pact between England and
France, but specified that it should
be on a basis of perfect equality"
And a few moments later he de-
clared. I'VE must maintain the most
friendly relations, especially with
the United States, which contrib
uted SO much to the common vic
tory"
The aggressive little premier from
A<oi ~hOsC HoHlt, III
orally translated means square
fisted." won his vote of confidence
from the chamber by 472 against
107-in spite of an incessant batter
ing through the session at the
hands of the Socialists and Com
munists. Poincare defended him
self from the moth-eaten charges OF
responsibility for the war;" recall
ing his appeals for all parties to
unite for common victory.
Position Unique In History.
For the first time in the history
OF France a former president of the
republic mounted to the tribune to
expose himself to the attacks Of Bit
ter politicians and succeeded IN
clinching his hold on the power of
the state by the relentless logic
ana passionate sincerity of his
speech and a biting wit that made
the debate more brief stiH. The
dialogue fared up spectacuIarly
when Poincare referred to the COM
ing Genoa conference, warning the
chamber that IL Germany hopes to
diseuss the Versailles treaty again
al the economic conference, France
viii not participate.
There Is no chance of that"
FORMER Premier BRAND interposed.
Germany might approach the
treaty and reparations indirectly"
Poincare retorted.
idently-otherwise. the con-
ference would be useless to her"
Deputy Leon Blum, Socialist, broke
in
NJ BRAND reminds me Of a good
amateur gardener" Poincare Re-
piled, but NJ. Blum has thrown
back all the stones that used to
be in the garden" Poincare's sim
lie was received with bursts OF
laughter. Poincare declared that
he didn't sign the armistice.
Pontius PLATE" shrieked Social
ist Deputy Barthe.
High court" yelled the Commu-
parchment"
Perhaps others won't cscapc Il
as easily as l." Poincare returned
impassively.
Manner Wins Victory,
The session was. stormy through
out. RanauI Petre. an ardept sun
porter of the Nationalist movement.
working frantically to assure the
new premier a fair hearing. But
II was Poincare's sangfroid-almost
like that of hard Yankee farmer
that brought him victory.
Poincare's speech presented moth
ing particularly new in thu Nation
alist program, but put France on
record officially, with this program
as guiding her. at least so long as
Poincare remains in power The
premier maintained that France de-
manded nothing that was not Justly
due her, and reiterated the demand
OF his party that there be no modi-
hcation IL the Versailles treaty. In
stead of modifying the reparation
payments, Poincare declared, pres
ent penalties must continue to be
imposed. and new penalties exacted
In event of nonpayment
The premier made 1t, clear that
France will not enter . conference
At Genoa that holds possibilities of
opening up questions such as repa-
rations within the Versailles treaty.
which Poincare regards closed. All
conditions for the Genoa conference.
established. at Cannes, must be ac-
cepte5 or rejected by all delegates
in advance of the Genoa meeting
he declared. Unless there are absc-
lutte guarantees as to this, Poincare
asserted, France would reserve
"liherfy of ocfio,