HIE AMERICAN REPLY.

Southland Times, Issue 19517, 17 May 1922, Page 5

HIE AMERICAN REPLY.

REFUSAL TO PARTICIPATE. WASHINGTON, May 15. (Received May 16, 10.40 p.m.) The State Department has published its reply to the Allied invitation to attend The Hague Conference. The reply declares that the United States has carefully considered the invitation and is desirous to aid in every practical way in the consideration of the economic exigencies of Russia, but is unable to conclude that ehe can fully participate in The Hague meeting, as this would appear to be a continuance under a different nomenclature of the Genoa Conference, and destined to encounter the same difficulties if the attitude disclosed in the Russian memorandum of May 11 remains unchanged. The reply points out that the ultimate and inescapable question is the restoration of the productivity of Russia, which must be provided from within Russia herself, but the United States has always been ready to join with the Allies for inquiry by experts into the economic situation of Russia and the necessary remedies. The United States is most willing to give serious attention to any proposals iwuing from the Genoa Conference or any later conference, but he regards the present suggestions in apparent response to the Russian memorandum of May 11 as lacking in definiteness which makes impossible the concurrence of the United States in the proposed plan. A SENATE DEBATE. AMERICAN REPRESENTATION URGED. WASHINGTON, May 15. (Received May 16, 9.10 p.m.) Senator Borah introduced a resolution into the Senate suggesting recognition of the Soviet of Russia. Senators Borah and Hitchcock during a long debate discussed the failure of the Genoa Conference, for which the former blamed France entirely. Senator Hitchcock said the United States should go to The Hague. Sentaor Borah, agreed, if German reparations and Russian recognition were to be there discussed. It is 'understood that Senator Borah’s resolution will command strong support in the Ho'jse and the Senate. SIR FRANCIS BELL AUCKLAND, May 16. Mr Massey has received a telegram from Sir Francis Bell stating that Mr Lloyd George telegraphed to him requesting his attendance at the Genoa Conference. Sir Francis Bell is accordingly leaving London to-morrowmorning for Genoa. Mr Massey added that it would be recollected that it had been arranged that in the event of Sir Francis Bell arriving in England in time for the Genoa Conference he would represent New Zealand, but if not, the Dominion’s interests would be trusted to the British delegates.