GENOA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1922, Page 3

GENOA CONFERENCE

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. OIL TRUSTS NEGOTIATIONS. LONDON, May 5. The Australian Press' Association’s Genoa correspondent states—Mr Walter Samiels of the Shell Oil Company (British) nas arrived at Genoa. In an interview, however, he denied that nn agreej nient over Russian oil concessions had already been concluded by the Shell Oil Trust with the Russian Soviet. He admitted that there have been negotiations proceeding with.M. Krassin (Soviet representative) prior to the meetihg of thti Genoa Conference, but says they word discontinued with the conference was summoned; ns it was considered improper to proceed with them ; during the conference sittings. j The correspondent continues: “It is ' these pre-conference negotiations, in Various directions, that have aroused the sus’picions which are difficult to dispel. The French and the Belgian delegates declare that they have proof, that the Russian Soviet had before the Genoa Conference already agreed to give away the Belgian oil properties in Russia to the British Shell Oil Company Hence the insistence of France and Belgium now that this property should be restored to the owners, and not compensated for. FRANCE’S ATTITUDE.

(Received This Dav at 8 a.m.) PARIS, May 6. At. Kaifiefti; Minister ftir the Navy, in whicortiitlg M. Millerahd lit Tbulon after the liittCr’s tout of the African colonieS, declared by not replacing her naval losses in the wdr Franch was seven years ahead of the other Powers in naval disarmament, and really gave an example which the Washington Conference suggested. M. Millernnd replying, protested against striped accusations of French militarism. France was only buying her own security with rightful reparations. Her whole efforts tended towards peace. M. BARTHOU RETURNS. (Received This Dav at 8.30 a.m.) GENOA, May 6. M. Bnrthou has returned. He saw Hon Lloyd George this evening. He • stated he was instructed by bis Government not to give final approval to a memorandum until Belgium approved, but he was confident a formula would be found. Otherwise France approved of the memorandum and wished sincerely for the success of the Conference. j Holt Lloyd Goerge implied that the h€xt Step WaS to ftwfiit the Russian reply.. fie liad TlotK-ed French papers made reference to a itieeting of the Supreme Council at Genoa. Whfit lie liad suggested was a meeting of Allied sig- , natories to the Versailles Treaty. M. Barthou replied that his Government clearly understood this, hut his Government was not prepared tor anj such conversations until after 31st May. It is understood the conversations which have been proceeding in j ’/the past two days between British and ‘’ltalian delegations and Krassin ond Tchitcherin, have yielded absolutely negative results. The latter showed themselves decidedly intransigeant in their demands. It is alleged they nske'd fdf a minimum immediate grant to the Sdviet Government of three mil-' liardfi of gold roubles, POSITION AT GENOA. (Received This Dav at (MO a.m.) PARIS; May 7. A correspondent at Genoa says lion Lloyd George has reached a turning position in the outlook on the Confetence. If Russians accept the memorandum, Britain will propose that negotiations he continued, despite the abstention of France, and Belgium. If the Russians refuse, Hon Lloyd George will make an important statement announc- ' ing England has done all she can, hut owing to the obstinacy of the Russians and certain Allied Powers, Britain will he forced to isolate herself from European politics.

THE FRENCH VIEW. (Received This Day at 10.15 a.m.) GENOA, May 7. ! M. Bartliou speaking to the press said, in siding with Belgium, I'ranee, had no desire to choose between two friends, but thought in this matter of private property restitution in Russia, Belgium was nearer the truth. He did not know what formula for conciliation would be found, hut it was possible the Russians by not accepting the memorandum would make everybody agree in the end. If they try to shuffle again we won’t stand it. If the Russians did not agree, then non-aggression of the J past would not be discussed. Without Russia, it was useless, as the other Powers, even Germany, had signed the Treaty of Versailles and therefore the article in the covenant of the League of Nations. PRESS COMMENT. Received This Day nt 11.30 a.m.) ROME, May 7. The press is full of forebodings of an approaching dissolution of the Conference, or rupture between England and France. The “Giolinle d’ltolia” says the two countries approach the question of European construction from totally different standpoints. For England, reconstruction is a necessity, hut it is a matter of indifference to France „„ she has no unemployed and home and colonial markets absorb practically the whole of Fronce’s industrial productions. In these respects. Italy’s interests are the same as England’s and she naturally supports Lloyd George. w The “Temps” is enthusiastic about Lloyd George’s stupendous battle for a general reconciliation. The “Tribute” contrasts Lloyd George’s constant babbling to the press with Tchitcherin’s impenetrable silence, and bitterly describes Tchitcherin as a diplomatist of the old school.