THE HAGUE CONGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 137, 12 June 1922, Page 5

THE HAGUE CONGRESS.

BRITAIN REPLIES TO FRANCE. THE RUSSIAN CONFISCATIONS. WITHIN RIGHTS OF STATE. IT COMPENSATION BE PAID. ißy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 11. The British reply to M. Foincare's Uague memorandum says that the French argument appears to rest upon some confusion, though the British standpoint sets out three heads. The first of these is that the conference is to be one of experts. British delegates will not have plenipotentiary powers at the preliminary conference. The Uovirnment sees no reason for discussion of principles and would strongly oppose any Mich discussion, therefore Hie Government sees no reason for extension of the date. The Government resolutely opposed the French suggestion that the Russian memorandum of May II should be withdrawn before the commissions meet. If this had been intended it should in fairness to -.ill parties have been raised at Genoa.

Secondly, the Cannes resolutions must govern the Hague discussions. The Government cannot accept the French contention that foreign claimants have the right to demand the return of private property. Kvery State has tlie right to acquire private property compulsorily: whether the Russian Government restores or pays compensation is a mailer for it only. They however, that the compensation must be real. The same objection applies to the French contention that the non-Russian Commission should first agree upon a plan for restoring Russia: it would be more courteous not to have invited the Russiana at all. in the opinion of the British Government.

Thirdly, the reply deals with the subjects to he discussed by bondholders to lie represented at The Hague to arrange machinery regarding the prewar debts, while in'regard to the war debts, provided Russia acknowledges liability. Britain stands by the Genoa undertaking to write off some considerable part of the debt to Britain. The Government sees no need for maxims in advance. If "Russia can secure credits it will be only from private lenders who consider the security adequate. Finnllv, the Government strongly desires a settlement at The Hague.'us the present conditions will only lead to struggles between concession hunters. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) NEW ZEALAND'S DELEGATE. (By Telegraph.—Pree3 Association/I WELLINGTON", this day. Sir Francis Bell will attend the Hague Conference as representative of New Zealand.