The New York herald., 1922-04-05
FRANCE TAKES HOPE
in BRITISH PREMIER'S
PROGRAM FOR GENOA
Lloyd Georges Speech Ac-
cepted as Approaching the
Policy of Paris.
ASKS WILL HE STICK?
Sure He Meant What He
Said, but Doubtful How
He Will Apply 1t.
RUSSIAN TRADE BOGEY
Cannot Be Pledged Until Boil
shevist Good Faith Has
Been Tested.
RUSSIAN TRADE BOGEY
Special Gable to THE New YORK HERALD
Copyright, 1922, by THE NEw York HEsALp-

Special Gable TO THE New YoRK HERALD
Copyright, 1899, by THE Nrw York HEaALn
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, April 4.
1nasmuch as the discourses of Prime
Minister Lloyd George and Premier
Raymond Poincare are strikingly SINH
lar in most of their vital points. French
political circles profess the belief that
the Genoa conference will be actually
economic in character. instead Of being
diverted along political lines to effect
wholesale changes in existing treaties
and in the European attitude on the
absorbing problems of reparaton and
disarmament. Even the French are re-
joicing in Mr.. Lloyd Georges latest
approach to the French policy. al
though secretly feeling that the Brit
ish Premier has left loophole which
will make trouble for the French dele
cation unless closely watched
I'VE are confident Mr.. Lloyd George
meant what he said when he said it.
but, unfortunately. he did not go into
details as TO how he intends to apply
his words when he reaches Genoa"
one member of the French delegation
told THE New YORK HERALD corre-
spondent to-day in summing up tho
situation, adding:
"As long as he intends to devote his
attention to the Russian problem. 1t viii
be possible to reach an accord: but
when he links up Frances needs with
those OF Russia It viii require delicate
diplomacy TO prevent bringing in po-
litical issues, which the French nation
insists must definitely be barred"
1t Is understood that the Cabinet has
decided that the French delegation TO
Genoa shall refer all undertakings to
Premier PoIncare and the Government
before France is committed to them.
Won't Sec Poincnre on Way.
Some regret Is expressed that Mr..
Lloyd George Is not going to talk with
NJ. Poincare on his way to Genoa be-
fore comforting with Carlo Schanzer. the
Italian Foreign Minister, and Premier
Facta of Italy: but 1t is probable that
some of the French experts will pri-
vately review the situation with their
British and italian colleagues during
the early days OF the conference apart
from the regular sessions.
That will be necessary to overcome
the initial efforts OF the Soviets and
Germany TO turn Mr.. Lloyd George from
his present good Intentions. according to
the French press. For. apart from the
political issues hitherto feared. 1t is re-
ported from Germany that the German
delegation is seeking an accord with the
Russian on the question Of Gerrnanys
eastern frontiers.
Among the economic problems touched
upon by Mr.. Lloyd George regarding
which discomfort is likely to be expressed
by Belgium and the Little Entente. and
possibly even Italy, Is the idea OF re-
suming immediate relations with the
Soviet Government under a trade treaty.
leaving recognition to be decided only
after probationary period. These ma
tions. like France, hold that such a
treaty would be bilateral In effect and
unilateral only in spirit. and that even
trade cannot be pledged until Russias
good faith has been submitted to a
test of fire.
The British Prcmier's reference to
European armies was sufficient to dis
turb the nations on this side OF the
Channel, regardless OF their pacific In
tentions. as IL Is likely to bring UP at
Genoa. In political form. the demobilza
tlon of Russiss million Red troops az
OF the Soviets.
The Temps. tonight, declaring that
Mr. Lloyd George past policy In Euro
pcan questions Is partly the cause az
tho maintenance OF large Continental
forces. asks
Having rendered peace unstable
himself. he Is now Illuminating against
armaments. But how is he going to
suppress &c Red army OF the Bolshe-
,.tiks ,.rhn he hau hnr
since 1907
Application Dimcutt.
Likewise jacques Bainville. in the
Liberts, suggests that Mr. Lloyd
Georges pcssimism as 60 solution
without abandoning armies and that tho
reparations problem IL almost beyond
human capacity. is likely TO be grasped
eagerly to their advantage by both
Russia and Germany. The same
writer admits that the application ot
Mr. Lloyd Georges principles at Genoa
will be difficult unless the Issue -
transferring vast wealth from one
country 60 another Is discussed thereby
bringing in Frances claim for repara-
tion priority.
Fear also Is felt that the question ot
allied debts naturally will follow tho dis
cussion OF Russian debts. In fact tho
Action FrdHcdte oelieVes trs brltlsh ~
ready have served notice upon France
that she must expect TO pay her debt
and interest the moment that the Unitea
states asks for q definite settlement.
Whether this will creep into the Genoa
sessions II highly doubtful, as II would
force France herself TO bring IN the
renaration issue. and thereby defeat N.
Poincare's announced intention Of recall
ing the French delegation II the repara-
tion problem IL broached.
Meanwhile the Franco-Little Entente
bloc is much worried as to the contents
OF Dr. Walter Rathenau's 700 page re.
port, which Is believed 10 have been
submitted for the approval OF the Mos