GENOA CONFERENCE,

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1922, Page 8

GENOA CONFERENCE,

RUSSIA’S REPLY. CHIEFLY PROPAGANDA A TRUCE PROPOSED. By Telegraph.—Press Assti.—Copyright. ' * London, May 12. The Australian Press Association’s Genoa correspondent states that the Empire delegation, after examination of the document, considers that while it is stupid from the point of view of Russia’s interests, being propagandist instead of practical value, it affords grounds for the conference to continue to work for the peace of Europe. Undoubtedly so far as help to Russia is concerned the document delays it and makes it more difficult. The delegation is quite prepared to refer question of credits, debits, and private property to mixed commissions to study the matter in detail. That seems a practical' method of carrying on the study of the Russian problem, although entailing longer delay. Then if it is thought necessary the other great question of peace can be gone int> 'satisfactorily. To break in on the documents would mean that all the border States round Russia would be exposed to the danger of war and European peace might again be fundamentally disturbed. Russia declares her readiness to enter a peace pact ibut considered there must he a definite guarantee against propaganda and aggression while the commission on Russian problems is sitting. This must Ibe reciprocal on the part of all nations. The delegation thinks that while a pact cannot be established for a definite period until the frontiers are settled it will propose a truce on existing de facto frontiers. It is believed there is a good fortnight’s work ahead to bring about such a result. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RUSSIANS AWAIT EXPLOITATION. London, May 12. The Australian Press Association’s Genoa correspondent states that the Russian reply produced something akin to pessimism. It is felt that the con " ference has outlived its usefulness and that the effort suggested by the British to endeavor to secure a truce is merely to prevent the conference -being an entire failure. The Russian suggestion that foreign capitalists have not hesitated to invest capital in Russia encourages her in the belief that when the conference terminates whatever its result there are groups of financiers and commercial men waiting to exploit her resources. This, together with the agreements made with Germany and others, fortifies her against the demands of allied politicals. If a truce can be accomplished the conference will probably adjourn and reassemble at a future date at a place not yet named. It is understood that France has no objection to a truce, but may raise the question of sanctions to make it effective.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

LLOYD GEORGE’S SCHEME. APPROVED BY NEUTRALS. Genoa, May 12. Mr. Lloyd. George lunched with the delegates of Norway, Sweden, Roumania. Switzerland, and Japan. He assured himself of the general approval by neutrals of his scheme for dealing with Russia. This includes three mixed commissions dealing with debts, private property, and credits. He hopes the Debts Commission will get to work at Genoa. Mr. Lloyd George is bent on dealing with the problems of frontiers in order to seal the peace pact. On completion of the work of Russian commissions it is expected the conference will adjourn a fortnight hence. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ADVERSE FRENCH OPINIONS. Paris, May 12. The newspapers unanimously describe the Russian reply as unacceptable. The Echo de Paris declares that the answer is an ironic, hypocritical and impudent document. The Genoa Conference is at an end. The Journal says that the only good point in the reply is that it will end all discussions and compel the European Powers to end their dissensions. The Petit Parisien remarks that the victory is not with Britain, but on the Continental side. The Petit Journal states that the reply not only points to the efforts of Mr. Lloyd George, Signor Schanzer and Herr Wirth to create a conciliatory attitude as having completely failed, but the latest instructions from Moscow are marked with the triumph of extremist Bolshevism. The Matin says the conference is certain to end in a fiasco. A NON-AGGRESSION TRUCE. Genoa. May 12. The British, supported by the Italians, intend to submit proposals for a non-aggression truce lasting several years on the basis of the present frontiers. on the ground that the breakingup of the conference would expose Europe to the danger of war.