GENOA CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1922, Page 5

GENOA CONFERENCE.

FRENCH AND ENGLISH PREMIERS. PRELIMINARY TALK. TO PROMOTE SUCCESS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 9, 5.5 p.m. London, April 7. The Daily Chronicle’s Paris correspondent says that the meeting between Mr. Lloyd George and M. Poincare (French Premier), which will be known as the “Wagon-lit Conference”, proved most cordial. Mr. Lloyd George laughingly assured M. Poincare that, in spite of whatever the French papers said, he still represented the English democracy- He added that if the Genoa Conference proved abortive, owing to French recalcitrancy, it would do France much damage in England. He begged M. Poincare to weigh well the consequences of a negative or passive attitude. M. Poincare replied that Mr. Lloyd George could rely on France’s cordial support while the terms of the Boulogne agreement were adhered to. Mr. Lloyd George afterwards said that as a result of the meeting he had a firm conviction that the Genoa Conference would be a great success. M- Poincare and M. Bathou met Mr. Lloyd George en route to the Genoa Conference, in the train, between the Gare du Nord and the Gare de Lyons.—Aus.N. Cable Assn.

A GLOWING PROSPECT. OF HIGH IDEALS. Received April 9, 5.5 p.mRome, April 7. Signor Facta, interviewed, said the Italian Government viewed the Genoa Conference as the highest conceivable manifestation of peace ideals, representing the sincerest determination on the part of the victors and vanquished to collaborate in the reconstruction of Europe. It was imperative that Europe should leave behind the passions of war, initiate reconstruction and re-establish relations with the peoples. He was confident that nothing would occur to mar the tranquility of the conference, which would brighten Europe’s future. RUSSIA’S ATTITUDE. STATEMENT BY ENVOY. VEILED THREAT TO FRANCE. Received April 9, 5-5 p.m. Genoa, April 7. M. Tchitcherin (Russian delegate), interviewed, said he approved of Mr. Lloyd George’s desire to reduce European armaments, and to achieve -vactical results. Russia, while seeking European aid in reconstruction, would resolutely oppose the Cannes plan of a foreign-controlled consortium, which was calculated to encroach upon the Soviet’s sovereignty. It would be impossible to conclude an economic agreement unless Russia’s judicial existence was recognised. Protesting against the French attitude towards the Soviet, M. Tchitcherin said it depended upon France whether the Soviet would be compelled to enter combinations opposed to French policy. The Soviet was prepared to recognise Russia’s debts, but would ensure receiving reparations for the devastation wrought by the White armies, supported by the Allies.—Aus -N.Z. Cable Assn.