Russian Debts.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1922, Page 1

Russian Debts.

LLOYD GEORGE ON QUESTION AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, July 20. .Mr Lloyd George, speaking in committee in supply, detailed the work done ni the Hague Conference. He said that there were three essential conditions to an agreement with Russia regarding property. The first was Russia’s acknowledgement of the right to a restoration or to compensation ; secondly, tile compensation must lie real, and thirdly, effective machinery minct be established to carry out the obligations. The Property Commission at The Hague had to close the door on Russia’s first proposal. The Russians’ later offer although it was not firm, marked a great advance townrd s their acceptance of obligations. Mr Clynos (Labour) jxiinted out Mr Lloyd Graeme (British delegate) had not referred, at the Hague to the

jmpensntioii due to Russia for her

enormous war losses. As long as Britain did not automatically recognise Russia it wa s idle to suggest that Russia could enter the money market in tho ordinary way. Mr l.loyd Ueoree in replying to the debate said lie advocated further Eu-

ropean international conferences. They should he continued until the ultimate aim of peace was attained. He could not accept the view that the European conditions were becoming worse. Compared, as a whole, with Europe three years ago, things were improving. The well which the war had- exhausted was gradually replenishing. It was suggested Britain was partly responsible, as an ally, for the condition of Russia. “AVe did nut-

drag the Russians into tho war, hut Russia made the first declaration of-war. and she fired the first shot. The Allies did their host to repair thu deficiencies of Russian organisation. Britain 'accepted her every request for assistance.” Things, he said, could not improve in Russia until she fell into line with tho civilised world.

The Premier added it was idle to mislead Russia on that score.

The greatest achievement at The Hague Conference, lie claimed was the education Russia as to tho realities of the situation. Russia could not expect to borrow money until sho provided the security and accepted the liabilities for the war-time loans. Tf, he said, the Soviet accepted this liability and provided real compensation for those dispossessed property owners, then it would be time for the' diplomatic recognition of Russia.

Mr Godfrey Collins urged that Britain ought to advance Russia two or three million* through tile f-eague of Nations for the stamping out of the cholera and typhus in Russia. This would do much towards a re-establish-ment of trading. The guillotine ended the debate.