GENOA CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17427, 11 April 1922, Page 7

GENOA CONFERENCE.

OPENING SESSION. PBELIMINABIES DISCtJSSED. i (By Cible—Preaa Association—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, April 9. The Australian Press Association's Genoa correspondent states that the five principal Powers discussed the arrangements to-day at length. Mr Lloyd George proposed Signor Facta, Prime Minister of Italy, as president of the conference. The languages used throughout will be English, French and Italian, which will lengthen the proceedings. HINDRANCES TO WORLD TRADE. BRITISH MEMORIAL TO CONFERENCE. LONDON. April 9. The National Association of Merchants' and Manufacturers is sending to Genoa a petition signed by 800 leading representatives of British commerce and industry, declaring that the ever-increasing hindrances to the international exchange of goods and services constitute one of the root causes of the present chaotic conditions of the world's trade.

The petitioners deplore the enforcement, since the war> t in practically every State, of so many restrictions on trade, and urge the conference, not merely to recommend their removal, but to agree to such further measures as will ensure the progressive liberation of trade and commerce throughout the world as one of the chief means of the restoration of economic prosperity. THE POPE'S HOPE. LASTING PEACE NEEDED. ("Th» Time*.") ■ (Received April 10, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, April 10. The Pope has sent a letter to the Archbishop of Genoa, in which he expresses the hope that the conference will result in lasting peace. Tranquility is only obtainable by mutual confidence and friendship and not by a show of bayonets. Even if the conference does not discuss the Peace Treaties and reparations, it should allow a further exchange of views in order to help the conquerors in the execution of their obligations.