DANGER OF A RUPTURE

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 195, 15 May 1922, Page 5

DANGER OF A RUPTURE

RUSSIA’S PROVOKING ANSWER LINE OF ACTION PROPOSED BY LLOYD GEORGE i— MIXED COMMISSION TO CONSIDER MAIN • QUESTIONS AT ISSUE ' . ■ In a long debate by the First Commission, Mr. Lloyd George said the Russian answer was provoking and unsatisfactory, but to break on it would be very serious for Europe and Asia, so he proposed the acceptance of the suggested mixed commission to deal with the questions of private property,' debts, and credits. 4 As the commission could not work in an atmosphere of sfemi-hostility, Mr. Lloyd G.eorge also proposed a truce, and a cessation of propaganda. M. Barthou said he did not think the commission could achieve any result. Signor Schanzer emphasised the danger of a rupture, and appealed to M. Barthou to reconsider his view. / T' ’ ' BY TELEGBAPH—PMBB ASSOCIATION. —OOPYBIGHT. (Rec. Slay 14, 5.5 p.m.) Genoa, May 13. The First Commission has had a long and serious debate. Mr. Lloyd George said the Russian answer was provoking and unsatisfactory, /typical of the diplomacy which always introduced argumentative documents at times when they were really trying to do business. However, in its substance there was room to come to some arrangement. Everyone had a difference with public opinion, and it was not right for other statesmen to criticise them too severely.' To break on the document would be very serious for Europe and Asia. If we sent the Russians back to a great population in the grip of famine and pestilence they would feel that the door of hope was shut on them with a clang.' No one could doubt that fierce resentment would ensue, which would bo a menace not only to Russia but to the peace of the world. He was certain the Russians felt the, heed of credits and new\ conditions on which they could.be obtained. He begged the people to regard the position from a practical standpoint, and not to make the most of the clash of principle between two antagonistic systems. He therefore proposed that they should in the reply to the Russians accept the suggested mixed commission, or commissions, which would deal with the three questions of private property, debts and credits. It was essential the commissions should be mixed. Another meeting of London experts would be a waste of time. One thing, however, was essential. The ‘commissions could not work in an atmosphere of menace and semi-hostility, while armies were threatening the frontiers and propaganda was rife. He thus proposed a truce on the basis of the de facto frontiers, with a cessation of propaganda on everyone’s part. Finally, he proposed that'a sharp note should be sent in reply to Russia’s Note, which needed an answer. M. Barthou said that acting on instructions from Paris, he was unable to discuss a reply to a document which they had not joined in sending. Speaking on Mr. Lloyd George’s proposals, he said that with regard to the suggested commissions the conference had been discussing for five weeks . the questions which these commissions were to investigate, without making progress. The Russian reply disowned the Cannes conditions. The French delegation had done what it could to reach a decision. He did not think the commissions could achieve any result. It simply meant starting the Genoa Conference over again in another form. He reserved the right to consider whether a commission, if not appointed by the conference, might not later be appointed by the Governments, always provided the Russians were not represented. These commissions should be confined to the Allies and neutrals, and perhaps America. France could not accept Russian representation. He saw a grave menace in the proposed truce, inasmuch as propaganda would continue. • * Signor Schanzer said he was not prepared to take the responsibility for Baying the Powers should abandon the'r efforts at peace, after only five weeks’ work. They should not refuse Mr. Lloyd George's practical proposals. The danger of a rupture was very great. Tho gravest of all wa.s'the parting on a note of disunion on what was after all a of procedure in regard to the goal it was wished to attain. It wouldbe a terrible disillusionment if the conference broke on a flimsy issue like this. He appealed to M. Barthou to reconsider his view. The commission adjourned for a few hours to see whether better counsels would prevail.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn. COMPROMISE LIKELY LLOYD GEORGE AND BARTHOU CONFER (Rec. W 14, 11.50 p m.) x Genoa, May 14. When the sub-commission resumed it was announced that conversations between Mr. Lloyd George arid M. Barthou had progressed satisfactorily, and a compromise was likely. They meet again to-morrow to continue the conversations. Representatives of other Powers expressed their opinions on the truce. Viscount Ishii regarded the conference’s work as much too important to be lightly abandoned. The whole world regarded an understanding as most important. He approved of the British proposals. Switzerland was enthusiastic over the truce proposal.

M. Barthou said he hoped an agreement was in sight. He hoped they would settle the question whether the commission should be mixed, or otherwise. „On the question of the pact, both England and France desired to learn the views of other countries.

Mr. Lloyd George said they should agree now upon the place and date of meeting of the Russian Commission. He emphasised the great importance of coming to an agreement at Genoa, because it was obvious that if the Powers started making separate agreements great troubles might arise. Tile Polish delegate said Poland had a separate agreement with Russia, but was anxious to have a general agreement. M. Jaspar said Belgium also wanted a settlement at Genoa, and he would be sorry if Belgium came to be regarded as interfering with it. Signor Schanzer said Italy already had a commercial agreement with Russia, 1 which was still unsigned. They should fix the period in which the commission should report. He suggested three months. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

EMPIRE DELEGATION'S VIEWS BREAK WOULD ENDANGER EUROPEAN PEACE * London, May 12. The Australian Press Association’s representative at Genoa reports that the British Empire delegation, after examination of the Russian reply, considers that, while’ it is stupid irom the point of view of Russia’s interests, being of a propagandist nature instead of a statement of practical value, it affords ground for the conference to continue to work for the peace of Europe. Undoubtedly, so far as help to Russia is concerned, the document delays it and makes it mor® difficult.

The delegation is quite prepared to refer the question of credits, debts, and private property to mixed commissions to study matters in detail. That seems a practical method of carrying on the study of the. Russian problem, although it will entail further delay. Then, if it is thought necessary, the other great question of peace can be gon® into satisfactorily. z To break on the documents would mean that all the border .States round Russia would be exposed to the danger of war, and European peace might again be fundamentally disturbed. Russia declares her readiness to enter the peace pact. It is considered that there must be definite guarantees against propaganda and aggression while the commission on the Russian problem is sitting. This must be 10ciprocal on the part of all the nations. The delegation thinks that while, the pact cannot bo established for a definite period until the frontiers are settled. it will propose a truce on the existing do facto frontiers. It is bettered that there is a good fortnight s work ahead to bring about such a result. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LLOYD GEORGE’S SCHEME NEUTRALS’ APPROVAL (Rec. May 13, 5.5 p.m.) Genoa, May 12. Mr. Lloyd George lunched with the delegates representing Norway, Sweden, Rumania, Switzerland, and Japan, and. assured himself of the general approval Of neutrals for his scheme dealing with Russia, which includes three mixed commissions dealing with debts, private property, and credits. He hopes the Debts Commission will got to work at Genoa. Mr. Lloyd George is bent on dealing with the problems of the frontiers, and ordered the seal of the Peace Pact to be put on at the completion of the work of the Russians’ Commissions. It is expected that the conference will adjourn a fortnight hence. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. CAUSTIC CRITICISMS OF PARIS PRESS END OF CONFERENCE PREDICTED London, May 12. The Paris newspapers unanimously describe the Russian reply as unacceptable. The “Echo de Paris” declares that “the answer is an ironic, hypocritical, and impudent document. The Genoa Conference is at an end.” Tho “Journal” says the only good point in tho reply is that it will end all discussions and compel the European Powers to end their dissensions. Tho “Petit Parisien” says: “Victory is not with Britain, but on the Continental side..” The “Petit Journal” not only points out that the efforts of Mr. Lloyd

George, Signor Schanzer (Italy), and M. de Wiart (Premier of Belgium') to create a conciliatory attitude completely failed, but says that the latest instructions from Moscow aro a marked triumph for extremist Bolshevism. The “Matin” says: “The conference is certain to end in a fiasco.” —Aus.N. Cable Assn.

POINCARE’S DOUBLE ULTIMATUM

CONCESSIONS MADE BY LLOYD GEORGE

CONFERENCE MAY END IN AGREEMENT. (Rec. May 14, 5.5 p.m.)

London, May 13. Mr. Garvin, the “Observer’s” Genoa correspondent, says: “The final decision was expected some days ago, but was postponed by shuffling for a few days more. Tho conference will be over next week, and may finish soon m quiet agreement. On Thursday in an open sitting, with utterances which resound through Europe, M. Barthou returned from Paris with a double ultimatum from M. Poincare,. framed to shatter the conference. M. Poincare has practically issued orders to a conference of thirty nations ger erally, and to Mr. Lloyd George in particular. At first M. Barthou was instructed to support Belgium unconditionally on a pedantic and useless property clause framed regardless of the practical interests of British commerce and employment, which few of our neighbours understand and fewer still consider. The reason is that Brussels in this matter was the willing mouthpiece of Paris itself. The second ultimatum was worse. -This majesty would not meet Mr. Lloyd George and other signatories to tho Treaty of Versailles to discuss before May 31 what will happen thereafter in tho expected case of German default. Never in the record of modern ententes and alliances pis tho Premier of one country been treated with more peremptory disregard by the Premier of another. Mr. Lloyd George, to secure the attendance of the French delegation at Genoa, and to keep it there, made concession after concession, • and consented to the exclusion of forbidden subjects from, tho formal proceedings, though reparations, disarmament, and treaty revision are bound to be vital matters for debate at all private meetings. By this ciimulative persistence and course of dictation M. Poincare of his own initiative killed tho Entente. Mr. Lloyd George spoke to M. Barthou and other French representatives. It is an egregious and futile falsehood to say ho threatened that Britain would not only dissolve the Entente, but seek an antiFrench connection with other Powers. What Mr. Lloyd George said was that M. Poincare showed not tho remotest knowledge of the British nation and acted regardless of the honour and strength of Britain, or those interests of commerce, livelihood, and existence which concern its masses and . classes fl-like. Mr. Lloyd Goorno said that henceforth .Britain would be with anv Power for peace, with no power against it.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. JAPAN’S ATTITUDE WILL ABIDE BY RESULT OF CONFERENCE (Rcc. May 14, 11.5 p.m.) Tokla, May 13. The Foreign Office announces that Japan has ho intention of making «. separate treaty with Russia, but will abide by the result of the Genoa Conference. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TRIBUTE TO MR? LLOYD GEORGE’S COURAGE ’ London,. May 12. Addressing a mass meeting of women, Mr. Austen Chamberlain said peace had not come in Europe, and ho did not know who could predict the final outcome of the Genoa Conference, but tho prospects now were not very hopeful. “I claim your respect for Air. Lloyd George’s courage and willingness to sacrifice himself in undertaking the Genoa Conference at the height of his reputation. Mr. Lloyd George has done his utmost to take a further step towards restoring peace in Europe and rehabilitating tno economic position. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POPE’S INTERVENTION RESULT OF PLUNDERING OF CHURCHES (Rec May 14, 5.5 p.m.) i Romo, May 13. The Pope’s intervention at Genoa is connected with the Soviet’s wholesale looting of Russian churches and monasteries, Catholic as well as Orthodox. Aftor tho Soviet had used up two milliards of roubles taken from the gold reserve, which was used for revolutionary propaganda abroad, tho Government decided to raid tho treasuries of the churches. .Dedicatory jewels from ikons were sold abroad, the precious metal being melted down by the I eople’s Commissiaries. Systematically they visited every town and village in tho collection of many tons of gold and silver, and thus 223 milliard roubles of silver were collected. The people in some towns, including Smolensk, supported bv the clergy, opposed tho plundering. Riots followed, and there were a number of casualties. Elsewhere the Bolsheviks called a meeting of workmen and explained the necessity tor confiscation, due to the famine.. The workmen then set to work themselves, rifling churches and monasteries. Five days’ work in Krasniapresna resulted in'five tons of silver and. much gold being collected from fifty-one- churches. The Patriarch issued a malediction Upon the looters, but it had no result. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.