M. Herriot next used really liberal language in con- structing
a vision of the amnesty and conciliation which would be possible in the occupied districts of Germany if only Germany met France in the spirit which was hoped for and expected. Of course, the French Socialists, who have always demanded the instant evacuation of the Ruhr, may object to M. Herriot's cautious pro- cedure, but we trust that they will not, for after carefully reading his speech, we are convinced of his sincere intentions. Finally, M. Herriot announced that he aimed at restoring normal relations with Russia almost at once: The only condition he would impose would be that Russia must declare her respect for treaties. The French people during the years of the Franco- Russian Alliance invested so heavily in Russian bonds that on this subject M. Herriot will probably carry the nation with him without much difficulty. Most French- men will feel that they are more likely to get their money if Russia is somehow or other being dealt with instead of being treated as an international outcast.
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