CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1922, Page 3

CABLE NEWS.

OFFICIAL VIEW,

(Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April 24

A high official who has returned from Genoa, interviewed by the Australian Press Association expresses the opinion that a serious crisis has been much exaggerated by the press. After at-

tending many private commission meetings he left Genoa with the highest hopes that a valuable permanent good towards rehabilitation of Europe will lie achieved. Fie declared emphatically that the reports and comments by the anti-Lloyd George press in London consited daily of a mass of misrepresentation which wds grossly misleading. Mr Lloyd George was battling most strenuously, despite a temporary set-back. The official was convinced that the results eventually to be achieved, wili rank in importance in Europe’s history with the Vienna Conference, following the Napoleonic wars. The proudest fact was the manner in which all the European nations except (France, looked up implicitly to Britain, realising her aims were quite disinterested. LONDON, April 24. The Australian Press correspondent at Genoa writes that to-day may prove the Conference’s critical hour. The Russians are expected to make an answer before the Experts’ Committee, late this evening. It resolves on a ques-

tion of recognition of debts and simul-

taneous Do Jure recognition of Russia, ’[’lie Cannes resolution provides for recognition of the debts as an essential recognition of the Soviet, but France insists on a six months’ probation period The Russian delegates are objecting to this as it places Russia in the category of some native state, assuming Government functions for the first time.

A highly placed authority expressed the belief that Russians were willing to adopt a reasonable attitude, which while meeting the Cannes stipulations would not inflict indignity on Russia. My authority added that if Genoa fails you will simply place Russia in the position of a nation with which other nations of Europe will endeavour to do business separately, and with all the disadvantages of excessive competition and jealousy, which a common agreement would prevent. Another cloud said to be a rising on the horizon in connection with the statement M. Poincare makes in the French Chamber to-day, in which report has it he will endeavour to range the Allies either for or against the integrity of the Versailles Treaty. ' A FRENCH THREAT. LONDON, April 25. The “Central News” Genoa correspondent states the French delegation declares they will press for a forty-eight hours ultimatum to Russia, or othei(vise leave the Conference. In the event „f France withdrawing, the o'her allies (vill continue the discussion.

RUSSIAN CLAIMS. (Received This Day at 8 a *nA GENOA, April 25

Russians have presented new claims, refusing to recognise war debts, and demanding moratorium of thirty years for payment of interest on pre-uai debts; refusing to recognise the principle of private proprietorship in property, because the Soviet regime is one of natjsonilisation, and claiming all Russian property in Europe. The experts are astounded bv the claims and obtained an adjournment for the purpose of consulting their Governments.

THE CRISIS AT GENOA

HON LLOYD GEORGE’S CAST APPEAL. Received This ua v at 10-15 a.m.) GENOA. April 25. Hon Lloyd George has authorised the transmission of the following appeal to the British public. “Don’t accept the statements appearing in the “Times” and “Daily Mail” regarding the Genoa ('(inference. until T have an opportunity of dealing with them in Parliament. M. Poincare’s speech, was a. most serious declaration, made without consultation with the Allies, and is not calculated to improve the cooperation of the Allies. It is nothing to do with Genoa, hut French opinion is being inflamed hv misstatements alleging the British are pursuing a policy of secret talks. Our policy is we have no quarrel with the Russian people. We do not fear the German-Russian menace. hut are determined to prevent Europe again becoming a shambles. We want to adopt an open human policy. The attitude of the delegates towards a settlement makes the work difficult, a.nd we cannot continue to bargain.”

FRENCH PRESS views. ‘ Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) PARIS, April 25. “La Victuire” says M. Roincaire’s speech means the victors should apply the treaty to the vanquished only when the latter submits. Can we he real friends.

The “Figaro” declares Franco has remained at Genoa in spite of the difficulties, where a rupture was her right | and perhaps her duty. France has thus | reached the brink of a precipice. M. i Poineaire is the man for national repairation. The chief obstacle .is the Iwd will of the Allies who must, however, realise that France will act under the instinct of self-preservation. M. Pertinax writing in the "Echo do Paris” says—“ Let us not be intimidated in the matter of isolation. The worst isolation is already felt by us here at Genoa” “ bo Temps” declares France must defend ‘peace’, defend alliances and defend treaties, even if sue has to act alone. May her action be everywhere i understood. I

FRENCH PRESS. .Received This Day at 11.30 a.m.) PARIS April 25. ' The newspapers generally acclaim M. Poincaire’s speech, wherein he declared coercive measures would be taken if Germany does not comply with the Reparations Committee’s programme by 31st May, hut no paper whatever advocates that France should take action alone. The desire is expressed that if action is found necessary, France should he supported by all the Allies, but if that is impossible Franco must act alone vigorously.

The “Journal” points out that twice within twenty-four hours, the impossibility of maintaining the Entente has been referred to, attesting the seriousness of the situation. On Sunday Mr Lloyd George threatened to abandon France. Yesterday, M. (Poincmirc /questioned whether France and Britain could continue to walk hand in hand and did this locally in order to warn the Allies and bring France to concert pitch.