The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-17
At Least Two More Confer
ences May Be Needed, Belief.
Disarmament Pact for Europe
Looms as Next Move.
ARMS PARLEY HAS POWER
Washington Conference Con-
tinues to Guide Genoa Action.
Lenine Is Reported To Be Send
ing Note to Harding.


Genoa, April IA treaty between
Germany and Russia was signed at
Rapallo yesterday. the signatories be-
ing the foreign ministers of the two
countries, George Chitcherin for Rus
sia and DR.. Walter Rathenau for GER
many. The treaty nuIlifies the Brest-
Litovsiz treaty and re-establishes full
diplomatic relations on an equality
basis.
The treaty. it is stated, represents
the conclusion of negotiations begun
many months ago.
This action of delegates meeting in
dependentIy and negotiating treaty
outside the scope of the conference
itself. is pointed to as establishing
striking precedent for participating
nations in the discussion of the Rus
sian problem here.
The pact cancels ali war claims as
well as claims arising from the na-
tionalization of property
In connection with the mutual re-
nunciation of naturalization of prop
erty claims and war claims the treaty
expressed the friendly hope that 9TH
er powers would do likewise.
Announcement of the signing OF the
treaty came as a rather rude surprise
to the Genoa conferees and it was
pointed to by observers as likely to
some of the other allies in their atti-
tude toward Russia.
BY the new treaty Germany IS the
first great power to grant Russia fun
recognition.
Altho negotiations between Ger
many and Russia have been in pro-
s,ress for some months on various
subjects mostly relating to trade mat
ters there has been no intimation that
the signing of a formal treaty super
seding the historic Brest-Litovsk pact
of early 1918 was contemplated. The
countries had previously made trade
agreement which became effective
nearly year ago.
The treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a
sequel to the armistice between Ger
many and Russia signed at that place
December IL 1917, following the rise
Peace negotiations began between
Russia and Germany in 1918. De-
mands of the Central Powers were
considered excessive by Russia. which
refused concede them
The next move by Russia was 10
announce on February 10 that she
had withdrawn from the war. without
signing peace treaty and had ordered
immediate demobilization, OF the
troops on all fronts.
This maneuver did not satisfy the
Germans. however. declaring the war
was still on they renewed their IN
vasion of Russia. but this was speedily
cut short by a declaration by the Rus
sian government that it accepted ths
terms formerly declined and the sign
ing al Brest Litoysk March 3. OF the
treaty now superseded.
(By the Associated Press)
Genoa. April 17.-After Genoa,
what?
That is the question uppermost in
the minds of the delegates to the in
ternatiOnal economic conference. Esx-
perts and delegates alike are agreed
that it probably will be necessary to
have two more conferences at least
before peace is restored in Europe and
financial Reconstruction becomes per-
rnanent
Granting that the Russian problem
is settled in principle, and recognition
is granted Russia by the Genoa con-
ference-whtch apparently Is the most
that can be hoped for from the pres
ent gatherings disarmament con-
ference probably would be the nexR
step in an effort to end what the Rus
slams say Is virtually a state Of war
between Jap pan and soviet Russia, and
Rumania and soviet Russia. Turkey
and Greece might also be admitted
to this conference in an effort to stop
the fighting in Asia minor.
Washington, April IA mesa ge
that is expected to be an important
factor ir sha ping the administration
policy toward soviet Russia is now en-
route from Nicolai Lenine to Presf-
dent Harding
lBy the Associated PressA
Genoa. April 17.-Inquiries among
neWspa per correspondents here shows
a strong feeling that the Washington
conference is having a powerful moral
influence. As one publicist put il to-
day, Washington has shown Europe
the way. Europe's statesmen must
hsrken to the message of construe-
tive peace which emerges from Wash
ington.'