Genoa Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1922, Page 2

Genoa Conference.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION, FRA NCE ’ s DETERMINATION'. PARIS, April 26. Tlie possibility of the French occupation of Ruhr, is indicated in a semiofficial statement dealing with measures involving separate action, wiiich France might take in the event of — Germany’s failure to carry out her obligations. It says the agreement with the Allies in this matter though desirable and keenly desired by the French Government is not indispensable, if the Reparation Commission having given notice of Germany’s default, should indicate the moment to take action had arrived. The statement points out that Germany’s period of grace expires on 31st. May, whereafter if the Reparation Commission is not satisfied, it will be able to propose to the French Government measures appropriate in the circumstances.

PESSIMISM AT GENOA. ROME, April 2d. Press views of the conference are increasingly pessimistic. “Messagero” quotes the delegate of one of the great Powers tte likening the conference to a powder barrel, to wliicjh many are approaching with lighted matches.

“Tempi” declares that all remaining illusions are vanished, and an anti-French coalition is forming. PARIS, April 26.

M. Millerand, President of France, in an important declaration at Phillipville. North Africa, said:—France will not allow her rights to be questioned. She does not aim at domination, hut she thinks her reconstruction ought to proceed at the enemy’s expense. France is ready to assume re-

lations with Russia when the Soviet has recognised the former Russian re- v

gime’s debts, and has restored the damage done to personal property and has guaranteed private rights. The Allies should render harmless all the clauses in the Russo-German Treaty that are clashing with, the Versailles Treaty.

EUROPEAN PEACE PACT. LONDON, April 26. The Australian Press Association's Genoa correspondent says:—“As all signatories to the Versailles Treaty, except Japan are gathered at Genoa, it is the view of most of the Allies that the opportunity should be availed of to discuss the measures indicated by Premier Poincaire at Bar-le-Duc. A meeting will probably be held next wek. Informal conversations will begin on, the pact against aggression. Mr Lloyd George had lengthy conversations with M. Barthou and other delegates, with a view to collecting the various opinions. Thus far there is a general desire for a Pact. Russo-German opinions have not yet been obtained.