Evening star., 1922-04-22
Replies of Germans and Russians
That Gained Tempest at Genoa

lasting debtorship and rendering pos
sible, on a fresh basis unincumbered
by the past. renewal OF friendly
relations. Germany came to Genoa
with all the nations in restoring the
suffering European continent ana
trusting in mutual understanding
of the difficulties Of all parts OF that
continent.
Interest Left Out
THE propositions of the London
cpnferepce left Germany's interest
out Of regard. To sign them would
have meant to call forth heavy
reparation claims for Russia against
Germany. A number Of clauses would
have led to burdening consequences
of czaristic wartime legislation on
Germany alone. Repeatedly and in
extensive discussions with members
Of the delegations Of the inviting
powers the German delegation has
called attention to these serious mis-
giyings But it was without success.
On the contrary. the German delega-'
tion became aware that the inviting
powers had entered into separate ne
gotiations with Russia.
Information which came to hand
about these negotiations led to Inc
conclusion that an agreement Wouiu
be arrived at shortly. but that it was
not contemplated to take the JUST
claims of Germany into regard. Upon
this the German delegation were lett
with no doubt that they were forced
to- pursue their own interests alone
as otherwise they would have come
into a position of being confronted
In the commission by draft WnicH
was unacceptable to them, but which
was already agreed upon by a ma
iority, of the delegates on the conf
mission. For this reason the treaty
with Russia was signed Sunday eve.-
ing In exactly the Same terms as IL
was draeted weeks ago, and was I'M
mediately published.
From Compelling Reasons.
This course of action most clearly
shows that the German delegation did
not proceed to negotiations with Rus
sia from lack of solidarity, but from
compelling reasons 1t just as clearly
shows that the German delegation
have strived to keep clear of all Sc
crecy in their procedure. 1t would De
quite in accordance with the wishes
of the German delegation IL the con-
ference should succeed in arriving al
a general settlement of the Russian
question, and IL the German Russian
treaty were embodied in this general
arrangement. This should very wen
be possible. as the treaty noWlse az
fects the relations of other states TO
Russia.
Furthermore, it is in all it's pro-
visions guided by an idea, the reah-
cation of which is Justly proclaimed
as the chief aim of the conference,
| namely, by a spirit which looks on
the past as definitely closed. and
seeks to lay the foundation for
mutual peaceful restoration.
Wish to Cooperate.
with regard to further treatment
| of the Russian question in the con-
ference, the German delegation also
| think it right that they should take
part in the deliberations of the first
commission on questions correspond
| ing to those already settled between
Germany and Russia only in case
their collaboration be especially
asked for.
"On the other hand. the German
questions referred to the first COM
mission which do not relate to the
points settled In the RussianGerman
treaty.
"The German delegation welcome.
with satisfaction. the development
| which the discussion of the commits
; sion has taken. They are at one with
| the spirit of solidarity and good faith
! that has animated this work. Far
| from thinking of turning away from
| the common work in Europe, they
| are prepared to participate in the
| tasks allotted by the conference at
Genoa with a view 10 reconciling the
nations and adjusting the welfare OF
the east and the west.
Accept. Mr.. President, the assur-
! ance of my highest esteem:
fSiened) 'DR. WIRTH."