Hague Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1922, Page 2

Hague Conference

LITVINOFF UNYIELDING

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION, LONDON, July 12. The Daily Telegraph’s Hague correspondent telegraphs:—“Unless the Russians alter their attitude the failure of the Hague Conference is certain. After Mr Lloyd Graeme tain) spoke, M. Litvinoff (Russia) made Iris usual shifty, indeterminate reply. He asked if any information that could be supplied by Russian delegations would be acceptable. M.\ Litvinoff then uttered a number fcf platitudes, finally admitting, in answer to a question, that If tiny additions were made to the list of pro-* perries whioh the Soviets intended to restore, the additions would be unimportant. In this matter he pointed out, the local Soviets had full auto-

nomy. . . M. Litvinoff added‘Russia, has the most stable Government in the world. It has existed for live years, without a change.” The Russian Government felt sure, he said, that there was less risk to foreign capital there than in any of the capitalistic countries ot Europe. „ . , ia*answer to further cjueStidnS, M; .Litvinoff said that Russia did not feel obliged to compensate foreign nationHe commenced a long harangue, to the effect that Britain lias already admitted the right of any Government to nationalise property. ..... Mr Lloyd George (Britain) intercepted • “If property is nationalised, there must lie real effective eompensaUt The meeting then adjourned sine die.

NO SURRENDER. THE HAGUE, July 13. The Russian delegate, M: Idtyiiiflff, interviewed after The Hague Conference adjournment, said the* failure ot The Hague Conference had been a toregone conclusion for several days. He ; “The non-Russian "parties will now’pledge themselves not to make anv private settlement with Russia, but it will he only a “scrap of paper as it is impossible permanently to isolate 150,000,000 of people. Me haie fought for five years, and we are ready to fight for ten more.”

hope of Avoiding break down. THE HAGUE, July 13. It is hoped to avert a final breakdown of The Hague Conference. The Private Property and Credits Commissions will meet to-day, but without the Russians.