RUSSIA'S NEW CLAIMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 97, 26 April 1922, Page 5

RUSSIA'S NEW CLAIMS.

WAR DEBTS REPUDIATED

NO PRIVATE OWNERSHIP

LONDON, April 2Z. The Russians have presented new claims They refuse to recognise, the war debts, aud demand a moratorium for 30 years in regard to the payment, of interest on pre-war debts. They also refuse to recognise the principle of private proprietorship of property in Russia because the Soviet regime "is one of nationalisation, and claim all Kussian property in Europe. The experts were astounded by the claims and obtained aji adjournment for the purpose of consulting their respective Governments.

• Tnc special representative of the ''limes' at the (Jenoa Conference says that when the expert commission on Kussian affairs met yesterday it was expected that the Russians would submit counter-proposals to the report of the London Conference, but they occupied a" hour in attempting to extract a promise of financial assistance from the Allies before proceeding to the di— eussions. They disclosed themselves at the end of their financial tether, being reduced at present, to plundering churches in the desperate endeavour to carry on until they are able to wheedle or bully the Allies into giving means to eke out a penurious existence a little lonirer.

Sir L. Worthington Evans, British Secretary of State for War. who is firmly handling the discussions, made it clear that Government loans could not be granted and that private capitalists would not be likely to rush in where the Germans still fear to tread. Tims the Bolshevik prospects are not rosy. | The Australian and New Zealand | Press Association's representative at I Genoa states that to-day may prove the most critical hour of the conference. The Russians are expected to make answer before the Experts Committee late this evening. It revolves on the question of the recognition of debts with simultaneous de jure recognition of Russia. The Cannes resolution provided for the recognition of the debts as an essential preliminary to the recognition of the Soviet, but France insists on a six months' probationary period. The Russian delegates object to being placed iin the category of some native State assuming . Governmental functions for the first time.

A highly-placed authority expressed the belief that the Russians would bo willing to adopt a reasonable attitude over recognition which, while meeting the Cannes stipulation, would not inflict indignity on Russia. This authority added: "You have the Leipzig fair and the Lyons fair at present, but if the Genoa. Conference fails you will have to add to the list a Soviet fair, at which the nations of Europe will separately endeavour to do business with all the disadvantages of competitive jealousy that a common agreement would prevent. Another cloud said to be arising on the horizon is in connection with the statement M. Poincare makes to the French Chamber to-day, in which, report has it, he will endeavour to range the Allies either for or against the integrity of the Versailles Treaty.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)

FRANCE'S CONDITIONS. WILL PRESERVE ALL GAINS. LONDON, April 25. M. Poincare, addressing the Meuse Council-General.' eaid that France would remain at the Genoa Conference only on condition that she was not called upon to make concessions either to Germany or to Soviet Russia. Whatever occurred at Genoa the new situation resulting: from the Russo-German Treaty was one of the most formidable since the armistice. It must be examined in conjunction with the Allies. France was determined to preserve everything she had i gained under the Treaty of Versailles, : which was only obtained by persevering, ! methodical action, not by precipitate 1 acts. How imprudent French disarma- | ment would be after the conclusion of I the Rapallo Treaty which might embody i a direct menace to Poland and an indirect menace to France. The Allies I must retain effective control of GerI many's armaments and aviation. When Germany was completely disarmed France would gladly follow suit.— (Renter.) Tho "Daily News" says: '-France appears to have entered the conference I with the deliberate intention of smashing or undermining it. There is every reason to suppose her second device nearly succeeded, and the first may be accomplished at any moment. Tho illadvised Rapallo agreement gave M. I Poincare a priceless opportunity to attempt to kill the conference and frighten Britain* into a new military pact with France and the Little Entente. We do not believe that Mr. Lloyd George is anxious to entangle Britain in such an .alliance, or that he dare, even if tempted." The "Daily Chronicle"' describes M.| Poincare's speech us sabre-rattling. It; was unfortunate in both tenor and occasion. France'; allies can only repeat what they said w.'ien France nourished ■ the sabre at Frankfort, namely: "If France is going to be a, law unto herself regarding Germany, she «innot expect our further assistance. If she wants our help to enforce her treaty rights she must proceed solely on the lines of common action. France abandoned these lines . first at Frankfort and, secondly, when she made her treacherous Angora treaty. If she tries a. third such departure, British willingness' to co-operate will scarcely survive it."—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)