RUSSIAN REPLY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2125, 17 May 1922, Page 5

RUSSIAN REPLY.

DECLINES PROPOSAL. EXPLANATION MAY REMOVE DIFFICULTIES. THE HAGUE OK RIGA? [By Electric Cable—Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] GENOA, May 15. A Russian note lias been delivered, intimating that the. Russians are unable to agree to the idea of two separate commissions on Russia. The British delegation says the Russians misunderstood the position, ana that it expects the dilficulties can be removed by explanations. WHAT IS PROPOSED. (Received Tuesday, 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, May 15. Mr Lloyd George, addressing the Angio-Amencan journalists, said Allied and Russian commissions would Sit at the same table and discuss the proposals, but there naturally would be occasions when each would sit separately. It was not his intention personally to attend the Hague, and the Allied panel would probably bo confined to experts only. He had handed the proposals to the American Ambassador with an invitation to America to participate in the Hague Conference, then he would decide on his line of action, without laying down principles for the panel, which would explore the whole question. Current negotiations between European States and Russia would not be interrupted, but new agreements would be barred, although there was no power to prevent individuals making agreements. If the Russians refuse the present proposal, matters would be at an end. Later, at a sitting of the Sub-Com-mission, M. Barthou protested against two commissions sitting instead of a mixed one, first submitting the Potest to the Sub-Commission. M. Tchitcherin's statement, ho said, was based on an entire misconception. There was no idea of excluding the Russians. They would be invited to the Hague on a footing of equality. The object of the Allies' meeting was lirst, purely preliminary, while the bar against making agreements applied to countries other than Russia. The Sub-Commission decided to invite the Russians to attend to-mor-row's meeting. M. Barthou intimated that the French would not attend, as they had not approved of the original memorandum. M. Gasper in/mated that the Belgian attitude was similar.

Other Genoa reports state that Mr Lloyd George declared that if the Russians agreed to the Hague Conference, it would be a prolongation of Genoa. If they did not, the Conference would be finished. Mr Lloyd George and Signor Schanzer clearly pointed out that the Russians are fre 0 to continue the negotiations, already commenced, for agreements with Sweden, Japan and Czecho-Slovakia, but the Allies will not sign or make any further agreements. Although M. Barthou will not attend to-morrow, he has undertaken that if Russia accepts the Hague scheme, he will recommend Paris to adopt the proposals. WORLD PARLIAMENT. (Received Tuesday, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, May 15. The German public is asking where lies the guarantee that the Hague -Conference will be more successful than that at Genoa, which has taken five weeks of confabulation and intrigue to produce the Russo-German Treaty. The Bocrsen "Courier" says the most important result of the Genoa Conference is the fact, that the second conference suggests as a logical result a permanent conference, which will eventually be converted into a world parliament This idea, first expressed by Herr Ebert at Leipzig Fair in March, is becoming the new ideal of the modern German politician. AMERICA NOT ENTHUSIASTIC. (Received Tuesday, 7.0 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 15. "Unless some phase of the situation, not now visible, changes the whole aspect of things, America will not accept the invitation to attend the Hague Conference," says the Washington "Journal." One of the leading Administration officials says:—"Mr Lloyd George Is in a hole and is trying to drag us with him. About all Europe wants is our money." Apart from motives, the view is emphasised that any such conference must be a failure unless Rus•sia shows a disposition to change. The attitude of recent Soviet notes to Genoa, and other Moscow pronouncements are not regarded here as affording sufficient basis for dealing with the Soviet. Generally speaking, cables inviting America to participate are received with no enthusiasm. Ofllcials believe Fr/nce has played the shrewdest game at Genoa. WANT CHANGE OF VENUE. (Received Tuesday, 8.5 p.m.) GENOA, May 15. Herr Rakowski, on being interviewed, said the Russians would protest against a separato commission. 'The embargo on separate agreements was equivalent to a new blockade, but it would be accepted with the other 'proposals. The Russians would endeavour to change the venue from the Hague to Riga or Stockholm.