WORLD ECONOMICS

Southland Times, Issue 20171, 6 May 1927, Page 7

WORLD ECONOMICS

GENEVA CONFERENCE INTERDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS PRECAUTIONS FOR RUSSIAN DELEGATES’ SAFETY (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. 7 p.m.) Geneva, May 4. M. Theunis, in opening the Economic Conference, drew attention to the interdependence of nations, emphasising that in every situation, a measure affecting the economic life of one nation or group of nations affected all. He outlined the obstacles to a solution of the existing economic situation, and declared that the conference was laying the first stone of a structure serving the general interests and cause of peace. The Russian delegation arrived and alighted at Bellevue, three miles distant from the central station, motoring to the Hotel de Angleterre, where they had engaged a whole floor. The delegation objected to detraining at Bellevue until the police, who had made elaborate precautions, pointed out the difficulty of surveillance of the large crowds gathered at the central station.—A. and N.Z. RIFT WITHIN THE LUTE. STRAINED RELATIONS DEVELOPING. Geneva, May 4. Although prior to the opening of the Economic Conference there appeared to be perfect unanimity between the European nations on the main points of the discussion and the procedure, there now appears to be a slight rift and efforts are being made to prevent France obtaining a controlling influence on the deliberations and the decisions of the Conference. There is much discussion in the Lobbies on M. Loucheur’s attitude. It will be remembered that the Conference is being held at his suggestion, made at last Assembly. It is understood that he desired appointment as Rapporteur General of the Conference. He ; approached President Theunis to-day with a request and backed up his claim by a threat to withdraw from the Conference. According to the stories in official circles, M. Theunis indicated that M. Loucheur’s appointment be unacceptable and that he would accept his resignation. Intermediaries, however, put the matter right by arranging that Loucheur be nominated as Vice-President. The matter has, however, left a rather strained feeling.—A. and N.Z.