Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-05-09
TUESDAY. MAY 9, 1922.
Disruption Almost ut Hand

IN his statement 10 newspaper CoTreSpOn-
dents at Genoa following his return from
visit 10 Paris, Louis Barthou. head OF the
French delegation at the conference, de-
fires in unmstakabe language the position
Of France in relation TO the issue that has
arisen in the negotiations with Russia over
The restoration OF private property to for
eien owners. France will stand firmly back
of Belgium in the demand for full and def
mite restitution of all visible property taken
from foreigners under the naturalization
scheme which adopted when the Boil
ehevists gained control in Russia.
To full understanding OF the issue which
has arisen and now threatens to disrupt the
conference, ii is necessary TO recall that the
British. Italians and the representatives OF
several OF the lesser nations signed mem
anraMdum. which was sent 10 the Russians,
agreeing 10 a roundabout arrungcment
which would relieve the Soviet government
of the necessity of making direct restitution
OF this stolen property 1t promised TO
ifStore use Of the property TO the victims
under long-term leases from the Soviet gov
-ern'nent. but it did not violate the sacred
principles OF communism on which the Boil
-shevst structure Is built. B2-th0u. as
spokesman for France. prOvisionally con-
-sented 10 this arrangement, as he explained
rather than p!eCipitate another crisis in
-ihe negotiations. VI. Jaspar. tie spokesman
for Belgirm. Indignantly spurncd the hypo-
-'rit!ca! arrangement and refused 10 sign the
Memorandum. In the meantime. Premier
.Poiacare, in Paris hearing what the Belgian
attitude vas, sent word 10 Barthou TO with
draw his cond.tioNa! a5saa; 10 the Russian
-trrangeaant and 10 stand arnly behind
-Jaspar a..
u. E5af,hol ta-. rsol.eded to explain TO
.th@ corresp oudea;s that ne sen, 10 Paris
and found great excitement in tho republic
and that the parliamentary commiss!,ils
we're united In holding that Belglums OBJ
lection was justified. because even IN.
amended text was NOT categorical enough on
THE question OF foreign property 50 Franc.
mas elected TO back Belgium up in It's posi-
ton even Il j., involves break with Eng
iahc and other allies Hi!l!ng TO surrender
TO Russia on so vital question Of princl-
l'ie y! you ask what is coming" re-
marked VI Barthou. Il must say do no.,
hho" il Is possible. even probable tia,
-Eussia, by refusing to agree 10 the memo
randum VIII unite us again. II is neces-
saiy for the Russians TO reply clearly .yog,
or no The terms presented TO Thorn are
precise and clear II their reply is mo-,
categorical. ii it's diatory if Il means
playing for time. then can merely saw mar
Genoa Is charming city. but We have o;bo-
Obligations and other duties which cali me-
elsewhere"
SO, the further fate O! Tho conference de-
fehGs on Russia'5 reply 10 the amended Al.
l''' "o'I"fhnlH'n, and il this reply does not
llfhish bssis for ac.eding TO the Frarch
ana h'!S.aA demand ou property rosrora-
non lis disruption cannot be luucl. lony..-
postponed. Even Lloyd George rocor,.,..
that ne has played Ills last truinD card T.,
ho!d II together since ina H.lpfar ,,,.
non agrees very closely with tho yicy. a.,
pressed ny Secretary Hughes. Americans vii