NEGOTIATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 401, 19 May 1922, Page 6

NEGOTIATIONS WITH RUSSIA.

By Electric! Telegraph.—Copyright. Received May 18, 1.25 p.m. WASHINGTON, May 17.' A White House official said to-day that although on the surface it may seem as) if the United States had entirely refused to co-operate with the European Powers, the truth is that the American Government is not only ready hut anxious to participate in a conference on Russian affairs. It is understood definitely that President Harding is ready to send a representative to The Hague or anywhere else to discuss the Russian question, and that if the Powers will modify their proposals and remove the features objectionable to this country, American co-operation can be assured. President Harding feels that the door is open for American help and wants that clearly understood. Roth President Harding and Mr Hughes believe that much can he accomplished if the Russian question is treated as an economic matter and if the Russians will respect private right's and property, and thus afford the basis for economic dealings with other nations. The American reply is intended as a niece of moral suasion, it being hoped that the Powers will be able to persuade the Russians that the giving of American help will be seriously considered in Washington just as soon as an economic basis can bo achieved which will warrant the United States in extending its hand. This accounts for the speed with which the Aineri. can reply was despatched. The Powers at Genoa were expected Ip/Use the American Note as a medium for further negotiations with the Russians.—A, and N.Z. cable.