CANNES CONCLAVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1922, Page 2

CANNES CONCLAVE.

LLOYD GEORGE’S MOVE. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION PARIS, Jan. (i. .. The opening'session of the Council has been held at Cannes. It provided a surprise, which indicates Mr, Lloyd George 'will gain a victory over the French and Belgian views as to the agenda. M. Briand and M. Theunis demanded that the exaction of the reparation payments due by Germany ought to be tiie first consideration, but Mr Llovd George, who was supported by Italy, regarded the consideration of the whole European economic situation as an essential preliminary, ho holding that the reparations could not be discussed apart

■ l therefrom. jj As M. Brinnd presided, it was expected that he would immediately press the French view, but, apparently, as the result of a pre-conference and prii vate parleys, 'M. Bviand simply welj coined the delegates. } Mr Lloyd George immediately followt ed with a speech in which he lengthily | reviewed the economic - situation. He declared it was the Allies’ duty to ! bring about peace and to restore the markets of Central Europe, j Mr Lloyd George pointed out the- deplorable condition of Russia which, he said, had heavily burdened Germany, who, before the war, had derived the bulk of her prosperity therefrom. He said goodwill all .round was essential if Europe’s reconstruction were to succeed. Therefore he proposed a FivePower Economic Conference, embracing Germany and Russia, to consider ' the whole economic position. They

must insist on Russia ceasing her propaganda, and recognising her external debts, and also undertaking not to attack Germany. Mr Lloyd George’s speech, it is reported, profoundly impressed the council, which agreed to his motion in principle. The conference proceeded to discuss the guarantees which they should demand from Russia.

ALL INVITED. LONDON, Jan. 7. A communique in connection with the Cannes Conference states that it has unanimously resolved that all the European Powers be invited to send representatives to an economic and financial conference, meeting in February and March, and that the Prime Ministers of every nation should attend if possible. , ' \ TWO COMMISSIONS. - LONDON, Jan. 7. The Cannes Conference is dividing, into two Comnlißsions, to study first* reparations, and secondly, economic restoration. Signor Bonomini supported Russia’s inclusion and restoration scheme, but said she must guarantee that she engages in no foreign propaganda. An Economic Conference of Europe will sit at Genoa early in March.