RUSSIAN DELAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18088, 12 May 1922, Page 5

RUSSIAN DELAYS.

FRANCE IMPATIENT

threat of withdrawal

LLOYD GEORGE RESOLUTE.

TO CONTINUE CONFERENCE.

PURSUIT OF PEACE. By Tolrsrapb—Press Association—Copyright.

(Received 7.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON, May 10. The representative of the Australian and New Zealand Press Association at the Genoa Conference states that, it ia reported that Signor Schanzer (Italy) has induced the Belgians to take a. more conciliatory attitude. Reports from Paris suggest that tho French delegation may withdraw from tho conference. Even in such an eventuality Mr. Lloyd George is determined to continue the work of the confcrcnce. Delay in receiving instructions from Moscow on various points may cause the Russians to postpone the premutation of their reply until to morrow.

It, is stated that M. Barthou sent a sharp letter to Signor Facta protesting against tho Russian delay in furnishing a reply to tho Allied memorandum.

Tho correspondent of the Exchange Agency states that the preamble to tho Russian reply has been communicated to Signor Schanzer. It emphasises the Russian request for recognition, guarantees against outside intervention and loans, and contends that th© Allies havo not touched these vital questions. Instead, they press for payment of Russia's debts. The Russians agree to negotiate regarding tho memorandum, but assert that the document does not offer an cquitablo solution to tho Russian problem and is even a step backward from the memorandum drawn up by tho conference of financial experts recently held in London and deviates from the Cannes resolutions. They declare that the obstinate resistance of the first subcouimission to any proposal, except recognition of Russia's debts, ia due to reactionary interests which seek in tie defeat of Soviet Russia the triumph of capitalistic individualism. Tho Russians reassert that they do not desire to trreck the conference.

The correspondent of the Daily Chronicle states that enough is known of the contents of the Russian reply to justify the belief that it will be acceptable as a basis for discussion; but the French are emitting most horrible threats if the answer is not. a plain yes. If tho incredible happens and tho French delegates go the conference will continue without them. After an agreement with Russia is reached the Eastern frontiers will be settled and then the non-aggression pact will be discussed. Mr. Lloyd George's jaw is set and he is determined to complete, correct, and improve the work imperfectly done at Paris. In this he has the support of the leaders of the greatest part of Europe.

It is reported that Mr. Lloyd George, who is employing Dr. Wirth as mediator, in the discussion of Russian affairs, has drawn up, in agreement with Signor Schanzer and M. Tchitcherin, a new article 7 concerning private property in Russia..

Mr. Lloyd George hopes to obtain the acceptance of M. Jaspar (Belgium) and M. Barthou (France). The actual teat is kepn secret, but M. Barthou has re>--commended 11. Jaspar to support it.