The correspondent of the Times in Paris sends to Friday's
paper some very significant comments made in the 11.4ubliqua Franfaise in regard to the attitude of M. Rouvier and his colleagues towards Germany. They do not, it declares, wish "to lead France into a German Alliance." The object of the Quai d'Orsay will, however, be to convince Germany of the pacific intentions of France, and to show that they have no desire to second the wishes "of the English jingoes, who, in a way ridiculous even in the eyes of their own com- patriots, form plans for nipping in the bud the growing Navy of the Empire." At the same time, France will not sacrifice the rapprochements effected in recent years. We can assure the French people that nothing is further from the views of responsible men of all parties here than any attempt to attack Germany, or, again, to endeavour to "use" France against Germany. We made our understanding with France purely on its own merits, to secure French friendship, and with- out the slightest arriere-pensee. If France can arrive at an understanding with Germany which will not be injurious to her own interests, none will be more pleased than we, for now, as always, the peace of the world is one of the greatest of British interests.
