GENOA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1922, Page 3

GENOA CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GENOA SCENES. LONDON, April 23. The “Times” special representative Genoa telegraphs that he would need the pen of Dante to do justice to the scene. Tchitcherin, tophatted, with a faultless morning coat, yellow gloves, and a red flag in his butlonbalc, conversing amiably with the King a ltd drinking champagne, clinkihg glasses and exchanging signed menus with the Archbishop of Genoa to whom be descanted upon the idyllic freedom enjoyed by churches in Russia, made up an incomparable spectacle. Tchitcherin congratulated the King upon being truly the “father of his people.” Krassin expressed the liveliest admiration, adding he would like to see him at the head of some Republic. GENOA. April 23. It is reported the League of Oppiessed Nations has shipped to India one hundred thousand bayonets and one hundred million rounds of ammunition.

BOLSf-1 EVIK PROSEK('TS

LONDON, April 21

“The Times’s” special representative at Genoa Conference says: “When the Expert Commission on Russian Affairs met to-day, it was expected that the Russians would submit counter-pro-posals to the report of the London Allied Experts’ Conference, but they occupied a whole hour in attempting to extract a promise of financial assistance from the Allies, before proceeding to the discussion. They disclosed themselves to be at the end of their financial tether, being reduced at present to plundering churches in their desperate endeavour to carry on, until they are able to wheedle or bully the Allies into giving means to eke out a penuri- ' ous existence a little longer. Air Worthington Evafts, who is firmly handling the discussions, made it clear that Government loans cannot be granted and that private capitalists are not likely to rush in where the Germans still fear to tread. Thus the Bolshevik prospects are not rosy.” , i SIR J. COOK’S VIEWS. LONDON, April 24. Sir Joseph Cook, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, at Genoa, said the conference had made good progress in the last fortnight, though there had been many interruptions and crises and almost every day brought some surprises. He said: —“Europe is still nerve racked, and the diplomatic machinery works on the highest gear, the slightest intrusion causing trouble. Resides it is easy to put grit in the machinery, causing trouble, and it is to be feared that those who do not love the conference arc inconveniently at large. It says much for the conference’s spirit that these obstacles have been moved firmly and promptly out of the. way, but they take time, and try the temper, and consume the energies of the principals. NeverU'cless the whole front moves forward. Already several supremely important objectives are in sight. 1 would rather not specify' them at the moment, fuither than'to say that they promise a firmer and better peace, firmer and j steadier exchanges, and sounder business throughout Europe. It is essen- ' tially a business and not a talking conference. There is a little less limelight than on some previous occasions, but a more concentrated search light is thus thrown on things that really matter in the world’s life and progress.

POINCARE THREATENS FORCE PARIS .April 24.

In a speech, M. Poincare, French Premier, declared tlrat if Germany does not comply with the programme of the Allied Reparations Committe by May 31st. the Allies, or. if necessary, France alone, will take the coeroi\c measures authorised by the treaty.

M. Poincare hopes for the Allies’ support, hut he intends to uphold the French cause with complete independence.

M. I’OTNCAIRH. fßeceived This Day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, April 24

M. Poineaire added that France would only remain at Genoa conditionally upon no concession being made to Ge.many or Russia. Whatever happens at Genoa the Allies must soon examine the new situation created by the Rapallo Treaty, which constituted tlu* most formidable problem since the armistice. France insisted on the execution of the Versailles Treaty, which would only be obtained by methodical action, not by precipitate acts. How impiudent French disarmament would he after the conclusion of the Rapallo Treaty, which might embody a dii-ect racn'ce to Poland and indirect menace to France. The Allies must retain effective control of Germany’s armaments and aviation. When Germany was completely disarmed, France would gladly follow suit.

PRESS CRITICISM

{Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. The "Daily Chronicle” describes 51. Poineaire’s speech as sabre rattling. It was unfortunate, both in tenor and occasion. France’s Allies can only repeat what they said when France flourished the sabre at Frankfort, namely, that if France is going to be a law unto herself regarding Germany, she cannot expect our further assistance. If France wants our help, to enforce treaty rights she must proceed solely on the lines of Common action. France abandoned these lines firstly at Frankfort, and secondly when she made the treacherous Angora Treaty. If she tries a third such departure, British willingness to co-operate can scarcely survive it.

The ‘‘Daily News” says France pears to have entered the Conference with the deliberate intention of smashing it, or ’ undermining it. There is eyery reason to suppose the second device nearly succeeded and the first may bo accomplished at any moment. The ill-advised Rapallo agreement gives M. Poineaire a priceless opportunity to attempt to kill the Conference and frighten Britain into a new military pact with France and the little Entente. We do not believe Lloyd George is anxious to entangle Britain in such an alliance or that ho dare, yveri if tempt. f(j '