RUSSIA AND THE HAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 18032, 28 July 1922, Page 4

RUSSIA AND THE HAGUE

LLOYD GEORGE'S STATEMENT.

ALLIED ATTITUDE EXPLAINED. Press Association—(By Telegraph—Copyright, LONDON, July 26. _Mr Lloyd) George, in Committee of Supply, detailed tire work of The ,H a gm ! Conference. He said that there were three essential conditions to the agreement with Russia regarding property: _ (1) Russia’s acknowledgment of tl« right to* restoration or compensation. (2) The compensation must be veal. (5) Effective machinery be established to carry out her obligations.

The Property Commission had dosed the door on Russia’s first proposal. The Russians’ later offer, although it was not firm, marked a great advance towards the acceptance of her obligations. Mr J. R. Clynes (Labor) pointed out that Sir Philip Lloyd-Greamc had not referred to the compensation due to Russia for her enormous war losses. As long as Great Britain did not automatically recognise Russia, it was idle to suggest that she could enter the money market in the ordinary way. Mr Lloyd George, in replying, advocated the continuance of European conferences until (lie ultimate aim of pence was attained. He could not accept- the view that European conditions were becoming worse. Compared as a whole with the Europe of three years ago, things were improving. The well which tho war had exhausted was gradually being replenished, it was suggested that Britain was partly responsible as an Ally for the condition of Russia. “We did not drag Russia,” .said Mr Lloyd George, “and she did not drag us into the war; but Russia made the first declaration of war and tired the first shot. The Allies did their best to repair the deficiencies of Russian organisation. Britain accepted tier every request for assistance. Tilings could not improve in Russia until she fell into line with (lie civilised world.” The Prime Minister stated that it was idle to mislead Russia on that score. The greatest achievement at The Hague was the education of Russia as to the realities of the situation. Rustiia could not expect to borrow money until she provided security and accepted liability for war-time loans. If the Soviet accepted her liability, providing real compensation for dispossessed “properly owners, then it would: be lime for the diplomatic recognition of Russia.

Sir Godfrey Collins (L.) urged that Great Britain ought to advance Russia £2,000,000 or £0,000,000 through the League of Nations for the purpose of stamping out cholera and typhus. This would do much towards the re-calablishment of trading relations. The application of the guillotine ended the debate.—A. and N.Z. Cable.