These conversations, he continued, though valuable and indis- pensable, must
neither now nor hereafter have the object of altering the essential lines of the foreign policy of France. She was incapable of inconstancy or of unfaithfulness. She wanted no " alternative friendships," but remained closely attached to Russia her ally and to England her friend by the ties which were interwoven and indestructible—feeling, interest, and political uprightness. They would each be entitled to their several preferences with regard to the solution of the grave questions raised by the war, but, as they would consider these in a spirit of complete confidence, "nothing can possibly dissolve an entente the validity of which remains indispensable for the balance of power in Europe." M. Poincare dealt with the need of preparedness which was incumbent on a nation that did not want war. A pacific nation which could not make itself respected would be at the mercy of chance. He hailed the peace between Italy and Turkey as enabling Italy to contribute a new element of strength and success to the action of the Great Powers.
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