SAN REMO CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1920, Page 2

SAN REMO CONFERENCE

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ITALY’S NEEDS. LONDON, April 20. The Australian Press Association ' learns that Italy’s grave economic situation, accompanied by serious social unrest, was closely examined by Hon Lloyd George, Lord Curzon and Signor Nitti yesterday at San Remo. It was recognised that little can be done to stabilise the jumpy exchange until next month’s financial conference. Nitti emphasised Italy’s urgent need for coal and raw materials, the absence of which was causing unemployment. Nitti pointed out that Britain had already' liberally assisted France and he hoi the traditional friendship for Britain would justify her extending facilities to Italy. Hon Lloyd George sent an urgent t/- 1 gram instructing the Board of Trade consult the Coal .Controller regarding the best means of immediately meeting Italy’s requirements. He has also undertaken to employ British vessels to carry Italy’s raw materials. * PRESSURE ON GERMANY (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SAN REMO, April 22. The result of the latest informal discussion of Germany’s obstinacy indicates that Hon. Lloy’d George md Signor Nitti adhere to their view. Should efforts at an agreement fail M. Millerand will not hesitate to carry out the French policy independently. The language of Treaties is proverbially ambiguous, but apparently France was justified in entering Ruhr, and taking coal if Germany continues to ignore her obligations.

WARNING FROM SAN REMO. LONDON, April 22 The “Times” in a leading article sa y S : —“The stability of the entire Peace Treaty and the existence of the League of Nations and the AngloFrench friendship which was cemented in torrents of blood, all hinge on the question of the hour—whether Germany will be compelled, to observe the Treaty. Inhere is barely time to avert a catnstrophe, to which Mr Lloyd George :.nd Signor Nitti have been drifting. The “Times” San Rem correspondent states:—“lt will be disastrous if something is not done immediately to destroy the increasing suspicion tlat Britain is absorbed exclusively in advancing her own industrial and economic interests, and is anxious to acquire an all-dominant position in tuo world’s trade, heedless of France’s clamorous wants.” PLOT AGAINST GREEK PREMIER, ATHENS, April 21. The Italian and Greek Governments have been informed of the existence of a plot to assassinate M. Venizelos (Greek Premier) at San Remo.