AT THE HAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 July 1922, Page 5

AT THE HAGUE.

CONFERENCE MAY FAIL. RUSSIANS UNCHANGED. POLICY NOT APPROVED, ’ By Telegraph —Press Assn.*—Copyright. Received July 13, 5.5 p.m. London, July 12. The Daily Telegraph’s Hague correspondent telegraphs that unless the Rusisans alter their attitude the failure of the conference is certain. After Sir P. Lloyd-Graeme (the principal British delegate) spoke, M. Litvinoff made his usual shifty and indeterminate reply, asking petulantly if any information supplied by the Rusisan delegation would be acceptable. M. Litvinoff then uttered a number of platitudes, finally admitting, in answer to a question, that if additions were made to the list of properties the Soviets intended to restore, the additions would be unimportant. In this matter the local Soviets had full autonomy. M. Litvinoff bombastically added that Russia had the most stable Government in the world. It had existed for five years without a change. The Russian Government felt sure there was less risk to foreign capital there than in any of the capitalistic countries of Europe. In answer to further questions, M. Litvinoff said Russia did not feel obliged to compensate foreign nationals. He commenced a long harangue to the effect that Britain admitted the right of any Government to nationalise property. Sir P. Lloyd-Graeme interjected that if property was nationalised there must be real effective compensation. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

M. Litvinoff, interviewed later, said ths failure of the conference had been a foregone conclusion for several days. NonRussians will now pledge themselves not to make any private settlement with Russia, but it will be a scrap of paper, as i. is impossible permanently to isolate 150 million people. We fought for five years and are ready to fight for ten more.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. The Hague, July 12. It is officially stated that there will be no use in continuing the conference on the basis laid down by Litvinoff. With Sir P. Lloyd-Graeme’s announcement that no useful purpose would he served by continuing negotiations with the Russians, the conference has reached a deadlock. It is impossible to carry on the discussion, as the Rusisans, replying to all questions regarding restitution and compensation to the owners of private property, said: “Give us credits first to restore Russia.” When Sir P. Lloyd-Graeme told the committee he would consult with his colleagues and see whether it was worth while continuing the conference, M. Litvinoff replied : ‘The responsibility for the break-ing-up of the conference does not rest with us.” FINAL ADDRESS. DISCUSSION FUTILE. Received July 13, 5.5 p.m. The Hague, July 12. The session ended with a speech by Sir P. Lloyd-Graeme, who, addressing the Russians, stated: “We are all prepared to leave the facts to speak for themselves. You have been invited to state what com pensation you are prepared to give, and you have declined to accept any obligati 3a or make any compensations. You have declined to give us any form of compensation which you could make. Even if you would give compensation, if we do nut discuss the line of compensation and restoration, all the basis of this conference falls to the ground. It is useless to engage in further discussion.” AVERTING A BREAKDOWN. COMMISSIONS MEET WITHOUT RUSSIANS. Received July 13, 8.40 p.m. The Hague, July 13. It is hoped to avert a final breakdown of the conference. The Private Property and Credits Commissions meet to-day without the Russians.