The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1922. THE RUSSIAN PROBLEM.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1922, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1922. THE RUSSIAN PROBLEM.

Although the discussions and proposals at the Genoa Conference have mainly served to bring out the points of difference on the part of the national represenatives thereat, to a certain extent, the ground lias been cleared for future action. That the Conference is ending indefinitely is much to be regretted, though it was almost too much to hope for a solution of a problem that is beset with features which form a line of such formidable difficulties that time, patience, diplomacy and welldirected perseverance can alone overcome. Russia may be likened to a wild colt of high mettle and uncertain temper in the hands of a trainer whose object is to turn to the best account the latent powers that, if properly guided, will result in a marvellous product of usefulness to mankind, as well as benefit to the colt in strength, docility and growth to perfection. At present she is fractious, hyper-sensitive, suspicious and wilful, resenting greatly the handling process because she cannot understand the real meaning and purpose of that handling, and so has defied all efforts designed for her benefit, possibly for the reasons that those who would do the handling are at variance in their methods. No one can truthfully assert that the Genoa Conference has failed, the record establishing something akin to a draw, that after a reasonable breathing spa’ce will be followed by another attempt at the Hague, or elsewhere, to come to a decision. The satisfaction felt by the French Government at the postponement of the Conference without the responsibility of a rupture will be fairly general, though on different grounds. Whatever gratification the French President may feel at the Conference having arrived at an impasse, can at most be of a temporary nature. The fact remains that Russia must in some way, sooner or later, be set on her feet and revitalised—the sooner the better—in order that the economic position of Europe may be safeguarded. That is why the British Premier strove so persistently to arrive at an agreement. That his difficulties were greatly increased owing to the surrounding and distant nations regarding Russia as a rich carcase around which they could gather like eagles in search of prey is, evident from the anticipated rush for concessions, the Russians being free to continue the negotiations already commenced with other countries. The diplomats have had their turn in vainly attempting to bring Russia to reason. The next move appears to be a convention of experts at The Hague whose business it will be to evolve a foundation on which an agreement can be based. It would probably have been a wiser course had these experts, representing all interests, including those of Russia, had met in the first instance and payed the way for diplomatic action. There is, however, some satisfaction in knowing that there has only occurred a break in the negotiations, and the Conference will resume in a few weeks’ time at The Hague, when it is hoped a more favorable atmosphere will be created. Tn the interval it is to be hoped that the United States will be prevailed upon to assist in solving the Russian problem, in spite of the evident reluctance so to do. There is much force in that part of the reply made by the United States Secretary of State to the' Allies’ invitation to The Hague Convention, in the point that “the ultimate, inescapable question is the restoration of the productivity of Russia,, which must be provided from within Russia herself.” It is a question of remedies, therefore one m which America could be of much real assistance in bringing about a change in Russia’s attitude. There are indication that the United States Senate may possibly favor American representation at The The door is still open tor a settlement, but the way to reach it is strewn with obstacles, the removal of which should surely be within the capacity of the nations.