PACT AGAINST AGGRESSION

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 28 April 1922, Page 5

PACT AGAINST AGGRESSION

INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS

LONDON, April 2Q i The Australian Press Association's Genoa correspondent says that, as .all the signatories to the Versailles Treaty except Japan are gathered at Genoa, it is the view of most of the Allies that the opportunity should be availed of to discuss measures indicated by M. Poincare at the bar de due meeting, i Probably next week informal conversations will be begun on the European Pact against aggression. Mr. Lloyd George had lengthy conversations with M. Barthou and other delegates, with a view to collecting various opinions, and thus far there is a general desire for a pact. Russo-German opinions have not yet been obtained. [ PARIS, April 26. I M. Millerand, in an important declaration at Phillipeville, North Africa, said France will not allow her rights t j be questioned. She does not aim lat domination, but thinks her reconstruction ought to proceed at the enemy's expense. France is ready to resume relations with Russia when the ', Soviet has recognised the former re-j gime's debts, restored the damage done; to personal property, and guaranteed private rights. The Allies should render harmless all the clauses of the Russo-' German Treaty clashing with the Versailles Treaty. j ROME, April 26. ! Press views of the conference are increasing pessimism. The Messagero i quotes a delegate of one of the great Powers as likening fhe conference to a powder barrel, to which many are ; approaching with lighted matches. The Tempo declares all the remaining illusions have vanished and an antiFrench coalition is forming.