NEW TREATY.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1922, Page 5

NEW TREATY.

THE ALLIES DECIDED. AGREEMENT RESENTED. A FRANK REPLY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Genoa, April 18. Mr. Lloyd George drafted the reply, which the Powers accepted and sent to the Germans. It read as follows: — The undersigned Powers learned with astonishment that in the first stage of the Genoa Conference Germany, without reference to the other Powers assembled, has secretly concluded a treaty •with the Soviet Government. The questions covered by this treaty are at present the subject of negotiations between the representatives of Russia and those of all the other Powers invited to the conference, including Germany. The German Chancellor himself declared at the opening session, only a week ago, that the German delegation would cooperate with the other Powers for the solution of these questions in a epiri of genuine loyalty and fellowship. The undersigned Powers therefore express to the German delegation in the frankest terms the opinion that the conclusion of such an agreement while the conference is in session is a violation of the conditions to which Germany pledged herself ir entering the conference. By inviting Germany to Genoa, and offering her representation on every commission on equal terms with themselves, the inviting Powers proved their readiness to waive the memories of the war, and granted Germany an opportunity for honest cooperation with her former enemies in the European tasks of the conference. To that offer of goodwill and fellowship Germany replies with an act which destroys the spirit of mutual confidence which is indispensable to the international co-operation which it is the chief aim of the conference to establish.

VARIOUS OPINIONS. London, April 18. he Genoa correspondent of the Ausian Press Association states that Little Entente Powers are perturbover the situation. At M. Barthou’s instance they and Poland joined in the conference with the five Powers and discussed the Russo-German Treaty. The meeting lasted all day. Several sub-committee meetings to-day lapsed because the French delegates declined to sit with the Germans. Thy will ateo not attend the banquet to-night. The Germans declare that they signed the treaty because Russia held a pistol to their heads, declaring that they would come to an agreement with the Entente if the treaty wee not signed. The French state that the treaty was prepared at Berlin. The text was supplied to them by a French agent at Berlin a month ago. The Germans claim that the treaty advances the objects of the conference in the reconstruction of Europe. M. Barthou declarer; that this is purely hypocritical. It rather strengthens Russia in opposing the other Powers. Russia, by agreeing to the Allies’ proposals, would secure all the advantages of the present treaty without the disadvantages. He regarded the arrangement as a political manoeuvre dictated by hostile intentions. In any case France insists on Russia fulfilling her obligations. The Big Five, also Poland, Czechoslovakia. Roumanift and Jugo-Slavia signed the protest. The Dominion representatives participated with the British in drafting the letter to the Germane.

GREAT INDIGNATION. Genoa, April 18. The Allies informed the Germans: '■Having concluded a secret treaty we presume you have renounced participation in the discussion of the Cannes reoolut ion." London. April 18. Mr. Wickham Steed, Times special representative at Genoa, telegraphs that the Germans and Bolsheviks conjointly have given a formidable kick at the conference. The significance of their treaty is self-evident. The Germans, who accepted the Cannes resolution, hav now violated them and stabbed the conference in the back. They plead as justification that they have not been granted equality, but were thrust aside while the Powers negotiated privately ■with the Bolsheviks. The motive of the Bolsheviks shows clearly that they wish to smack the Allies in the face and force their hands regarding the recognition of the cancellation of debts. Paris, April 18.

The newspapers indignantly comment on the Russo-German Treaty. They unanimously declare that it is an act of disloyalty and a veritable thunderbolt which may end the conference. Some papers declare that Tchitcherin gave a fair warning, having said: ‘•Treat with us. or do not be surprised if we turn to the other side.” While M. Poincare was making jokes about veiled women Germany got busy on her own behalf. France was clearly given to understand that a rupture might occur on the given lines. The Oeuvre states that M. Barthou demands from M. Poincare new powers, declaring that France, owing to her quasi isolation, has lost prestige, and rakes second rank at Genoa. Mr. Lloyd George controls the discussions while the French delegation is forced to communicate with Paris by wire. The Petit Parisien says that a rupture at the conference is probable and there is reason to believe Mr. Lloyd George may think it necessary to effect such a rupture. The paper Humanite declares that the treaty is a German victory over England. M. Poincare assembled the Cabinet this morning to examine the situation created. Rome, April 18. The newspaper*? of Italy, in special editions, state, that the treaty is causing intense excitement and arousing hostility against the Germans, who are accused of abusing Italian hospitality. Berlin regards the treaty as a final settlement of the Russo-German war. The treaty was discussed months ago and the possibilitie of treating with M. Tchitcherin in person at Genoa facilitated tne result. Mr. Lloyd George said the grievance all felt was against Germany, not Russia. Their view was that a strong protest woe necessary. The French accepted the letter with enthusiasm. All the commissions will resume work to-morrow. The decision of the Powere does not preclude the Germans sitting on the second, third and fourth commissions.