The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1922. UNPARALIAMENT NATIOINAL TRAGEDY.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1922. UNPARALIAMENT NATIOINAL TRAGEDY.

“In famine-stricken Russia the plight of her people is a tragedy unparalleled in the world’s history.” Such'was the opinion recently expressed by Professor Goode,. who has had exceptional opportunities of studying and becoming personally acquainted with the conditions that prevail in that vast and unfortunate country, as the special correspondent of the Manchester Guardian, a position that entitles his conclusions to carry the weight of conviction. Professor Goode’s state ments and views regarding Russia are particularly interesting in view of the reply to the Genoa .Conference, and it affords material for estimating the extent to which that reply can be accepted as an indication of Russia s economic position, and whether her rulers are more concerned with upholding their abstract and visionary tenets than in restoring the country to its place as the biggest market in the world. The real object of the Genoa Conference was to bring about the economic rehabilitation of Europe by means of an amicable settlement of differences so that peace and prosperity may go hand in hand. It is important to note that Professor Goode asserts —with good reason —that “until Britain can get into the Russian market there will be no stability, and events at Genoa during the last few weeks show that Britain realises she must put Russia right,” as he was convinced, as the result of his observations on the spot, that there would be no economic or financial stability for Europe until the Russian question was settled. Mr. Lloyd taeorge has expressed exactly the same opinion, nor is any other conclusion possible. It has been emphasised on several occasions that Britain cannot continue in placid pursuit of a policy of one kind and expect economic fruits of another kind. The present is no time for playing with political fancies, a fact that cannot be too strongly impressed on the responsible heads of the nations of Europe, particularly France, Germany and Russia. The unemployment problem, as well as the dire inroads of famine and disease which are decimating the population of Russia, make it imperative on the part of the nations to shape their policy so that it will come strictly into line with their life and death needs. Nothing but the restoration of peace and the evolution of sane policies that will aim at international reinvigoration will meet the deplorable conditions that only too plainly exist to-day. Professor Goode confirms the terrible reports as to the conditions in Russia—where famine and disease are eating the life blood out of the nation— a tragedy unparalleled m the world’s history.” Unfortunately, the action of the French Government in opposing disarmament on land delays, if it does not aetuall'v bar the way to progress, but the really formidable harriers consist of the high-handed attitude of defiance and unreasonableness adopted by the two countries which, above all other, are.in most need of peace and trade expansion—Germany and Russia the former in a state verging on bankruptcy, and the latter crushed by evil forces. Yet, it is obvious that without the actual co-operation ot these two great nations the remaking of Europe, is impossible. Britain is prepared to go to great lengths in helping forward a common basis of action on which eep-

nomie and financial restoration can be built up, but there are necessarily limits beyond which it would be neither prudent nor advisable to go, hence the strenuous efforts Mr. Lloyd George is making at Genoa—efforts that involve his staking his high reputation. One of the snags that is impeding progress towards an agreement is the question of debts and restoration of property. The rehabilitation of Europe, and the absorption of millions of workless people in trade development, demands that, the question of international debts and internal indemnities — indistinguishable in their ultimate effects—must be the first deadweight burdens to be removed or adjusted. Britain, said Professor Goode, is prepared to help Russia first and go into the question of debts afterwards, but France will not. Apparently it becomes necessary to leave France to do as she pleases. If Russia would onlytrust her best interests to British hands the problem could soon be solved, despite the agreement made with Germany. At present there seems to be no prospect of such a course being taken. We can only hope'that wiser counsels will eventually prevail.