PEACE OF EUROPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 86, 11 April 1922, Page 5

PEACE OF EUROPE.

HIGH IDEAL AT GENOA. A LEAD PROM WASHINGTON LLOYD GEORGE'S INFLUENCE. ißr Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 3 a.m.j GENOA, April 10. It is understood that. Mr. Lloyd Georgf nxcrcire'l great influence over the pre liminary conversations at the Econoroii Conference. The French delegates objected to treat ing Germany and Russia on the saini basis as the other Powers. Mr. Lloyd (leorge replied that the Con fcrenco was not summoned in order ti issue ulliraatums. If Russia and Ger many accepted the resolutions wkict were passed at Cannes they ought to g< right ahead with the work of the ton ference. which would otherwise Iμ useless. The Japanese and Italian delegate? strongly supported by Mr. Lloyd George. It was agTeed that Germany should not, be allowed to raise the question oi the reparations, the reason beinp that the vanquished cannot appeal to the victors in the presence of neutrals. The general aspects of the reparations will, however, lie discussed, as they affect the world economic position. Signor Facta (Italy), the president, in liis opening speech, said the psychological, political, social, and economic effects of the world war had completely destroyed the financial and economic conditions-. The fundamental reason for ihe economic chaos was the lack of confidence which must be restored before we could get back to normal. They had not assembled as friends, enemies, visitors, or vanquished, but as men of all nations striving for the attainment of a, lofty ideal. The cloud over the Pacifichad already disappeared as the result of the Washington Conference, and they must now work for the peace of Europe in the same sincere spirit that had inspired the people who met in Washington. Signor Facta concluded with an appeal for equity, justice, and solidarity between nation* Mr. Lloyd George said there was unemployment in the We-t and famine and pestilence in the Eaet. The first need of Europe was real peace. Unless peace were established and goodwill amongst natione. all discussions would be of no avail. If they acted together in the same spirit they ■would succeed not in the spirit of a greedy vigilance, but with a common desire to restore the world to its normal condition of health and vigour. They must not roll boulders in front of the plough. They must think more of what they could accomplish than of what they could restrict. Public opinion was amenable to guidance.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) RUSSIANS WOULD BAN ARMS. MAKES FRANCE VIOLENT. (EeceiTed - p.m.) (JEKOA, April 10. There was a heated scene at the Conference as the result of a suggestion by Tehitelierin (one of the Russian delegates) for disarmament on land. M. Barthou (French Minister of War) violently opposed the proposal. In the course of his protest he said: "France absolutely refuses to discuss the question of disarmament on land."—(A. and X.Z.) POPE'S GOOD WISHES. LONDON, April 10: The Pcpe has sent a letter to the Archbishop of Genoa, in which he expresses the hope that the Conference will result in lasting peace and tranquillity, which can only be obtained by mntual confidence and friendship, not by Bhow of bayonets.—("Times.")