Genoa Conference.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1922, Page 2

Genoa Conference.

'OKI HAMAJJ AND N.E. CABLE ASSOCIATION. PRJMgVffIWS, ffILONDON, May 8; The “Drtily Tetegfaph’s*’ Frbneh ctirrcspoiident iit Geiida writes td the ‘ Daily Telegraph” repeating the state-' v went that Mr Lloyd George declared tlia' he could not hut interpret the fact that France had sided with Belgium as ugainst England, as an indication that France did not want to remain true to the Entente, and he further declared that, in future, England would consider' herself free to contract new friendships, if she thought it advisable.” “Of course,” continues the correspondent, "the very serious words utter-. ed by Mr Lloyd George have their principal origin in the decision reached by M. Poincaire, French Premier, re- . garding the procedure that is necessary to solve the German reparation problem. Mr Lloyd George informed M. Barthou that Britain had decided to renounce her share of reparations due from Germany, Mr Lloyd George and Sir J. Worthington Evans had a meeting with the Gentian Ministers, Dr Wirth and Dr ltathenau to-day. This niefei.iiig has created the impression that if France, after May 31st resorts to independent action to enforce tiiij treaty against Germany then England will perhaps regard herself as free to negotiate a separate agreement with Germany. These developments are a cause of regret in French circles, but it must be remembered that even' the ~ average Frenchman does not see any possibility of enforcing, even partially, the Versailles Treaty, and especially the reparation clauses, unless Germany is threatened with coercion or if she breaks her pledged word.” “Here, and nowhere else,” adds the correspondent, *‘is the real parting of the ways between the French and the British policies. French circles hope that if the Soviet Government’s reply does not amount to a clear acceptance of the Allies’ terms, it will be considered as a refusal, and the Genoa proceedings will then be cleared up as soon as'possible. This is because, should the conference continue, and cause a new clash between the British and French opinions, it would prove more difficult to bridge the gulf between them. lam told that Baron Hayaßhi (Japan), M. Danes, and M. Skirmunt have now successfully proposed the postponement of the conference.” PARLIAMENT DISPLAYS ANXIETY. LONDON, May 8. All the parties in the House of Commons havo been evincing remarkable interest in the Genoa Conference situation. There is sortie tiiarnl shown lest the conference should.break dtJwtb The Rt Hon A. Chamberlain attd other Ministers hiive been strenuously engaged during the question time in satisfying the demands for information. The House displayed impatience at those members who were asking tious or trifling questions, and in other ways it showed sympathy with Mr - Lloyd George. Lord Robert Cecil asked about the London “Tiines’s” statements. He asked if they were being published by the tlavas News Agency on the Continent. Mr Chamberlain replied: “If so, I hope they will also publish my reply. ■ I cannot conceive what public purpose as been served by the publication of these statements by the paper in ques♦ioiij which paper has deliberately set out tO misrepresent the Premier and to mislead the eOlintfy.” (Cheers). Mr Will Thorite (Labour) s “Has the House power tb bring the writer of ‘The Times’s” article to the baf of this House, so that the Speaker can admonish him?” (Loud cheers). Mr Chftmherlain did not reply. Mr Chamberlain, however, declared that the statement appearing in “The Times." (denouncing Mr Lloyd George for going over to Germany), was a breach of international confidence. He quoted “The Times” extras. He complained of these extras including statements as follows: "Entente between oiitain and France is at an end!” The Prime Minister’s advisers, especially Lord Birkenhead, have been constantly advising Mr Lloyd George to break with France.” This, said the Unionist Leader, was a great deal of Hon Sense. (Cheers). Mr Chamberlain said he was aware that the editor Of “The Times” had been staying at the French headquarters, Genoa, but he had not been in touch with anyone who had authority to speak for the British Government and its members. POSTPONEMENT REPORTED. ~ ~ LONDON, May 8. The “Daily Telegraph” states that a . French correspondent at Genoa has written to the paper stating that the postponemen of he conference has been proposed and adopted. ' LORD BIRKENHEAD RECALLED. LONDON, May 8. Air Lloyd George has recalled Lord Birkenheal to Genoa.