UNITED ACTION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 5

UNITED ACTION.

AGREED UPON BY POWERS. INVITATION TO AMERICA TO HELP. ■ RUSSIANS OPPOSE PLAN. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 15. The "Daily Express's " Genoa correspondent states: "Mr Lloyd George has secured the despatch of an olticial note to Washington asking the active co-operation of America in a reconciliation conference at The Hague. The Note says: The world cannot be saved in the East or in the West without America's aid. I learn reliably from Americans int.mate with Washington circles that there have been submitted to the Conference proposals to abrogate the German-Rus-sian treaty, also the sc.apptng of all other treaties and the starting of fresh negotiations with Russia with a clean slate, on a basis including the Riga Treaty between Russia, Llthulania and Poland, and any 'shell oil' agreements. I understand M. Tchitcherin opposes the American suggestions." AN UNPOPULAR ROLE. (Received Monday, S p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 15. The administration will give close consideration to the appeal by France that the United States should participate in the proposed International Commission to investigate the Russian situation, but it is understood the United States will be as reluctant to accede to the appeal as she was to accept an invitation to Genoa. FRENCH STUBBORNNESS. (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) GENOA, May 15. The convening Powers prepared a reply which was sent to the Russians to-day. The Belgians and French again did not sign the reply and they will protest strongly against the tone of the Russian Note, pointing out that the Russians, having ruined their own country, are little qualified to berate the so-called capitalist • countries, especially when asking for money. Their Note is referred to as stupid and clumsy. "L.-G." SAVES SITUATION. LONDON. May 14. The convening Powers have accepted Mr Llovd George's proposals, including that for a truce. All trip Powers agree not to make separate agreements with Russia. The Australian Press Associations reporter at Genoa states that only Mr Lloyd George's skilfulness as negotiator will tide over the usual week-end crisis at the Conference. In the face of France's positive determination not ■to sit with the Russians on any commission, it appeared as if France must finally withdraw from Genoa. France, ever since the first invitation to meet the Bolsheviks at Prinkipo, in 1919. has consistently refused to have anything to do with them. There are rumours as to a compromise which Mr Lloyd George has effected *itjh M. Barthou, but the most reasonable assumption is that he has agreed that two commissions should be formed, one consisting of Russians and the other of Allies and neutrals. This is a somewhat transparent device to save the amour propre of France. But both commissions must actually sit together if any success is to be obtained. It will be impossible for both commissions to work by exchanging notes. The next interesting point is what the Russians think of such a scheme. All convening Powers have decided that the Governments shall appoint a panel representing the Governments participating in the Genoa Conference to meet at the Hague on June J sth. The Russian* are to appoint a representative to meet, this panel. ' It is understood that the Russians have declared that if such a course is adopted they will refuse to accept it.

NOTE REFUSED BEFORE PRESENTATION. (Received Tuesday, 2.0 a.m.) GENOA. May 15. M. Tchitchcrin has sent a note to Signor Schanzer, declaring the proposals made by the Powers are absolutely unacceptable, and asking for the immediate summoning of the Political Sub-Commission, at which the Russians will enlarge their proposal for mixed commissions. M. Tchitcherin's letter is strongly worded, and ca/Ised a sensation in view of the unusual course of refusing pointblank before the Powers' note was even presented. The Anglo-French view is that it is impossible to negotiate with the Russians, who are obviously seeking to break with the Conference.