POLICY OF AMERICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 May 1922, Page 5

POLICY OF AMERICA.

ASKED TO THE HAGUE. WILL NOT PARTICIPATE. THE OFFICIAL REPLY. By Telegraph.---Press Assn.—Copyright. Received May 16, 10.40 p.m. Washington, May 15. The State Department has published its reply to the Allied invitation to attend The Hague Conference. The reply declared the United States has carefully considered the invitation, and. is desirous to aid in every practical way the consideration of the economic exigencies of Russia, but is unable to conclude that she can fully participate in The Hague meeting, as this would appear to be a continuation ud&er different nomenclature of the Genoa Conference, and destined to encounter the same difficulties, if the attitude disclosed in the Russian memorandum of May 11 remains unchanged The reply points out tliat the ultimate inescapable question is the restoration of the product!.ity of Russia, which must be provided from within Russia herself; but the United States has always been ready to join the Allies for an enquiry by experts into the economic sistuation of Russia and the necessary remedies. The United States is most willing to give serious attention to any proposals issuing from the Genoa Conference or any later conference, out regards the representation suggestions, in apparent response to the Russian memorandum of May 11, as lacking in definiteness, which make impossible the concurrence of the United States in the proposed plan. One of the leading Administration officials says: “Mr. Lloyd George is in a hole and is trying to drag us with him. About all Europe wants is our money, apart from other motives." The view is emphasised that any such conference must be a failure unless Russia shows a disposition to change her attitude. Recent Soviet notes to Genoa, and other Moscow’ pronouncements, are not regarded here as affording sufficient basis for dealing with the Soviet. Generally speaking, the cables inviting America to participate have been received with no enthusiasm. Officials believe France played a very shrewd game at Genoa. Senator Borah has introduced a resolution into the Senate suggesting recognition of the Soviet of Russia. Senator Borah and Senator Hitchcock, during a long debate, discussed the failure of the Genoa Conference, for which the former blamed France entirely Senator Hitchcock said the United States should go to The Hague. Senator Borah agreed, adding that this was necessary if German reparations and Russian recognition are to be there discussed. It is understood that Senator Borah’s resolution will command strong support m the House and in the Senate. Mr. H. C. Hoover (Secretary of Commerce), addressing the International Chamber of Commerce, answer e< * Bolshevik charge that the States' attitude towards Russia was dictated bv American trusts, which were anxious to re-obtain property in bv pointing out that the whole value> of American property there was less than the money spent by America m charity in Russia. He declared Russia was dying and could not be restored until production and foreign confidence returned. —Aus.-N-Z. Cable Assn.