The New York herald., 1922-05-17
Likely to Follow United
States, Not Britain, in
Russian Attitude.
SEES POINCARE JUSTIFIED
Views Similar to Those Of This
Country Regarding Sol iRt
Policy.
By LAURENCE HILLS.

SPeCtuf Suote 20 1HE NEW York 1fatNU.
Copyright, 1923, bv THE New YoEK HsJtp
New York Herald Bursau,
Paris, May 20.
The Hague conference plan seems
to have perished a-borning ss ths
result of the American ansver 10
Genoa's invitation to join in cettie-
ment Of the Russian question The
answer was featured in all IL exc
ming papers. and almost instai ~ its
effect was noticed in the attitude of
the French Government toward the
plan.
There is now little chance that the
French will participate in any con-
ference that has not Americas ap-
proval, and In all future negotiations
regarding Russia, Washington and
not London will be the guiding star
of French diplomacy. The American
answer, emphasizing the similarity
of the views of the two Governments
respecting the Soviet, seemed to af-
ford the keenest satisfaction in Of
ficial circles this afternoon, as justi-
flying Premier Poincare's wary atti-
tude in all dealings with the Soviet
Government.
While the French delegation have
committed themselves in principle to
the idea Of the Hague experts con-
ference, it was Immediately pointed
out to-day, after the American an
swer was received. that that did not
bind The Government to accept the
invitation unless notifications were
made in the plan to meet the Ameri-
can objections. and to preclude the
Hague meeting being merely a con-
tinuation of the Genoa fiasco.
The only plan which had any
chance OF evoking Washington's ap-
proval, officials believe. was the orig
inal French plan for an allied and
neutral commission Of experts with
all liaison with the Russians dis
solved, to continue the work of the
London experts conference, with
America and neutrals added, and con-
sidered absolutely separate from and
not bound by the deliberations at
Genoa.
depended on America.
Had America consented to the
present plan Of virtually continuing
the Genoa conference at The Hague
the French Government would have
undoubtedly accepted; but its sup
port of this plan apparently has been
more or less contingent upon the
American reply. The French Gov
ernment is anxious now to keep in
accord with the United States. taking
as its text the note to the Allies from
Mr.. Hughes preceding the Genoa con-
ference, and it will not consent to
anything that appears to be a modi-
fication of the views therein ex-
pressed, according to what could be
learned to-day.
The Temps virtually predicts the
collapse of the Hague plan. for II
points out that the only reason tho
Bolsheviki have been negotiating with
the Powers was to get the money
which could be obtained only with the
aid OF the United States. and with the
United States again refusing to par
ticipate. even the Soviets. II says. will
have no reason to continue bargaining
"The United States refused TO par
ticipate at Genoa because II did not
wish to be mixed up in Europe's quar-
rels,' the Temps says. "In proposing
that IL come TO The Hague under
conditions fixed for a second confer
ence, II is being asked to participate in
quarrels which IL wishes to avoid,
even in aggravated form. because the
Genoa conference has excited all the
passions In Europe at time when 1t
is ripe for war"
In Accord with America.
Speaking Of the support which
France gave the previous note from
Mr.. Hughes. the Temps says: "Wo
are happy TO feel that France to-day,
az then. finds itself so completely in
accord with the United states. and We
hope that British opinion finally will
join with these two countries"
The Libertc describes the American
answer as a final blow for Mr.. Lloyd
George. After Tchitcherin, Mr.
-