THE GENOA CONFERENCE

Otaki Mail, 12 May 1922, Page 4

THE GENOA CONFERENCE

, , | 8 Paris, May 7. j Correspondents at Genoa say Mr I Lloyd George reached me luimiig j point in the outlook on die Comerence. If the Kussiaiis accept die me- i morandum, Britain will propose that negotiations be continued despite the abstention ol France and Belgium-. Ii the Russians reluse, Mr Lloyd (jeorge wilt make an important statement un- ] nouncing that England has done ail I she can, but that owing to uie ob- ■ stmacy oi the Russians and certain ' of the Allied Powers, Britain will be forced to isolate herself from European politics. Genoa, May 7. I M. Barthou, speaking to the press, . I said that, in siding with Belgium. I France had no desire to choose l.e- ---| meen two friends, but thought in this I matter of private property restitution . i in Russia, Belgium was nearer the 'truth, lie did not know what vlori inula lor conciliation would be found, . ! but it was possible that the Russians, . j by not accepting the memorandum, ' would make everybody agree in the , end. "Ii they try to shuffle again i we will not stand it,'' he said. If the I Russians did not agree, then the nonI aggression pact would not be discus- , sed. Without Russia it was useless, as the other Powers, even Germany, had signed the Treaty of Versailles, , and therefore Article Ten of the Covej nant of the League of Nations.

• I WHILE RUSSIANS WAIT THEIR ' I CHANCE. 1 PITIFUL END TO ALLIED ALLIANCE. London, May S. 'I he Australian Press Association's Genoa correspondent says the Genoa j Couiereiice has begun its liltli week ■ with the gloomiest uutlook. Many ol those who delivered hopeful speeches lot its success belied their faith in it by carrying accident insurance poli- ■' lies ill the shape ol some son of trade I agreement either signed or ready lor signature. Entente friendships have been badly shaken through rumours , of concessions negotiated behind each ■jothers backs. Undoubtedly, rightly or wrongly, the oil story has done meat mischief. liven the United states, which took up a position' ol splendid isolation against European entanglements, has been forced '" take action in her trade interests. Colonel Child. American Ambassador to Italy, gave a luncheon to Mr l.loyd George and discussed the >il , situation. It looks at ihe moment as i if the ideals with which Ihe Conference started are rapidly drifting in'o a concession-bargaining affair. Meanwhile, in a beautiful ret rent at KaI pallo. the liussians are considering Ithe memorandum They can hanilv j he blamed if they look upon the Con-, lerenee as a crowded auction room where extremely keen bidding is :0-j ■ ing on for the goods which Russia! | ! as at her command or that she forces j i l.er price. i \ recent cable said Mr Walter >a- |.. Il( ,| S ~. jii° shell Oil Cnmnanv. I Pas arrived nt Genoa and denied 'ha' i Mote was an agreement ovei Russian! ', il i oucessions. He admitted that ne- { poiiatioiis were proceeding with '■'- • :'--iti prior io the meeting o! "ip ; c.-mrerence. hui Uiey were eliscontinn-j . ~.; .. v i.en tie- Conference was sum- | i ■ oieii. as it was considered impro--1 ,■+>■ in proceed during its sitting. The ' trench and Belgian* declare that the'v Ptivc moo! that ihe Soviet had agreed .., t: iv,. Belgian oil properties to 'he <1,,.U company, hence their insistence that, property should he restored, not. I compensated for. I