Gen a Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1922, Page 2

Gen a Conference.

tIISTIIALIAN AND N.Z. 1.A111.8 ASSOCIATION FRENCH PREMIER CRITICISED. BY LONDON JOURNALIST. LONDON, Aprii 09. The editor of the London “Observer” s :—“J c is intolerable that M. Poincaire, French Premier, should meddle with the Genoa Conference without lielonging to it.” If he had been living in the atmosphere of the Genoa Conference 24 hours, M. Garvin declares M. Poincaire would have been incapable of the speech be gave on April 24. M.. Garvin says: Not a single country, whether an ally or a neutral, approved . of the ultimatum in that Bpeech. It ignored the overwhelming weight of san? opinion throughout the world. The Imperial issue of this conference is that either there shall be the beginning ' of a new Europe, or shall be an end of the Entente lietween Britain and France. It is high, time to show this is the British Empire’s irrevocable policy. Either M. Poincare’s ultimatum must be stultified which will mean his political exit, or the Entente must end, or the icparations must he discussed froth top* to bottom.” The Australian Press Association Genoa correspondent states the economic ; commission at Genoa is holding a plenary session to consider its report to the conference. Its recommendations have j naturally liven drafted in the ill teres s of European reconstruction. Some of them cut directly atrosß Australian interests, while the majority would con-, jidentbly benefit the Australian export trade. It is stated Sir J. Cook (Australian High Commissioner) did valu>>bl" work by securing a modification of the preamble in the direction of o :- tabling an option for overseas countries to accept only the portion of the report suitable. The Italians have prepared a resolution on the question of raw materials.

‘The same correspondent says that the liscussion on the French and British drafts of the proposed notes to the Soviet continues. It is understood there ■ s v e ry little difference between the two documents. Both make it clear the Russians must accept the Cannes resolution as a whole, and not in part.

J. H. THOMAS BACKS.GF.ORGE. HOME, April 28. Mr J. H. Thomas, the Labour member of the British Parliament interviewed, said the British public supported Air Lloyd George’s attitude. It has grown tired of the French Government’s attitude, seemingly aiming at breaking up the Conference, from which would be awaited the most important results. ITALIAN MINISTER ON CONFERENCE. ROME, April 28. A Milan report states Signor Facta, who is paying a flying visit to Pinerolo. his birthplace, in an interview, said he still believed the Genoa Conference would succeed. “We must not be astounded at the violent antagonisms and conflicts arising,” lie said. “They are better fought out there than on the battlefields. They arise unexpectedly, and eventually result in clearing the atmosphere. They must he overcome with resolutions and perseverance. As the Conference has overcome earlier difficulties so it will later ones.” POINCATRE’jS ATTITUDE. * LONDON, April 29

The editor of the “Observer,” Mr Garvin, in his dispatches from Genoa, continues to express wholehearted irritation at the French attitude. It is considered Air Garvin’s opinions are important, as they are likely to he reflecting the feelings of Air Lloyd George. Mr Garvin being admittedly one of the British Prime Alinister’s soundest supporters:

Air Garvin, lifter paying a tribute to Air Lloyd George for his work at Genoa, declares: “Paris is a greater danger tliait Aloscow, seeking to kill the spirit of the Cannes resolutions.”' He proceeds: “Paris does not work genuinely for tlie restoration of Europe, but dreads it. All. Point-hire clings to thforniuln of Allied domination, which means French dominating. He will neither come to the sonference, nor keep out. For instance the British Note in answer to the llussian proposals, which was intended to end the maddening procrastination and evasiveness of tlie Bolsheviks, was thoroughly approved by Italy and others; but was again subjected to tlie veto of Paris, which instructed Al. Barthou to submit a counter-draft. Once more AT. Poineaire has treated the French delegation lik" puppets, to be jerked by wires. He lias liarrassed the conference like a man in an ambush. He does not want Genoa to succeed. 'He always gives the most trouble when it is most likely to succeed. He is undoubtedly divided between a strong desire to break up the conference and an anxious dread of the consequences, fie is the Kaiser of Peace and may lie fatal to Europe.”, ALLIED FINANCIAL DICTATION. LONDON, April 28

Air Steed, 1 lie Press correspondent, in a message from Genoa, says: “It is no longer accurate to call the Allied document about to be presented to the Bolsheviks an “ultimatum.” It appears now to lie almost a draft convention, consisting of a preamble and outlining tlie assistance the European States are prepared to give the Bolsheviks, such as export credits, and restoration of railways and maritime communications. The Bolsheviks are asked, however, to recognise all Russian public debt, and tlie damages suffered bv foreigners and return private property to former owners. The document also implies the reduction, and not the cancellation of the Russian war debts. The crucial question is: Will the Bolsheviks recept? Perhaps they are bluffing at present. The chances are against their accepting.” Dr Wirtli (German Chancellor) last evening eulogised the Russo-Gcrmau Treaty. He said it was a model agreement for the proletariat of the whole world. At. Tcliitcherin applauded it as the first treaty in history drawn up in an evangelical spirit. ,

FRENCH DELEGATE LEAVES GENOA. GENOA, April 28. At. Barthou Jins returned to Paris, to eon fee with At. Poincaire. This is reported to be due to differences with M. Poincaire; who insists that M. Barthou must stick to his instructions. M. Barthou has demanded to be recalled, to enable liinl to explain his position to the Chamber of Deputies. It is bv no means certain that lie was recalled, as AI. Poincaire, it is stated, fear to precipitate a Cabinet crisis. At. Barthou denies he is leaving the Conference, stating he expects to be hack at Genoa on Wednesday. , Meanwhile his colleagues will carry on. Air Lloyd George says he regrets even the temporary absence of the head of the French delegation.