RE-BUILDING EUROPE

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6274, 30 December 1921, Page 5

RE-BUILDING EUROPE

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BIG ECONOMIC CON GUESS.

GERMANY, RUSSIA, U.S. AND JAPAN MAY PARITCTPATEr

UNEASINESS OVER SOVIET

(United Frees Association —Copyright.)

LONDON, Dec. 28. It is expected that the meeting of British and French business men arid industrialists will lead to an _ agreement on certain uroad principles which will be submitted to the Supreme Council as a basis for the establishment cf a- European financial corporation composed of the leading nations for the economic and industrial reconstruction of Europe. In lurtheranee of the scheme, the Council will arrange for tno holding of a European Economic Conference, to which Germany and Russia may be invited, also the' United States and Japan. Such a corporation, if necessary, will issue currency and lay down conditions upon which it would he willing to finance industries and reconstruct railways in Europe, linking them up in one system, and to supply rolling stock.

The Times, in a leading article, says it sees in the meeting the desire of Mr. Lloyd George to establish closer relations _ with Russia. It expresses scepticism regarding dealings with the Soviet, and considers, in the present financial embarrassments of every country, that any Government would dream of supporting such a colossal enterprise as the proposed* corporation with money or credit is entirely out of the question.—Times. PARIS, Dec. 28. Tlie Matin denies a rumor published in an English newspaper that Tcbitcherin and Litvinoff have been invited to the international economicconference. Ail other newspapeis assert that the invitation is an accomplished fact. Le Oeuvre says the invitation was given without M. Briand’s qonsent, although he is unuole to make objection. (Received Dec. 29, 5.5 p.m.) » LONDON, Dec. 28. The British business men’s plan for a restoration of European commerce is being put before a meeting of Allied trade experts in Paris on Friday. The chief points are the formation of am International Financial Corporation, the capital to he privately subscribed by interests which will benefit, all' resulting orders to be allocated fairly. If the plan is approved in Paris, it will be submitted to the Cannes Council, and then Germany, Austria, Russia, and Czecho-Slovakia, will be invited to an international conference. British .experts believe the International Corporation will create a spirit of confidence, and will be an important medium for the restoration of trade relations, especially with former enemy countries. Lord Horne has gone to Paris to consult with M. Loucheur. It is hoped that the United States will participate in tlie scheme.—A. and N.ZC-A.