Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-05-13

.8 SATURDAY EVENING. MAY Is, lSzz. -
EVENTS OF A WEEK.
The Genoa conference is still in session, though
its speedy dissolution OF adjournment has been con-
fdently expected by many observers. The reply OF
the Russian soviet government to the Allied memo
,,dum has been delivered, and its character is just
out what has been anticipated for several days
The Bolshevik group declares inability to accept the
proposals made to it, but its refusal is couched IN
polite TERMS and the desire is expressed tor further
negotiations. The immediate Importance OF the re-
ply lies, not in its suggestion of any plan for bridg-
ing over existing difficulties, but in that it leaves
the way open for a continuation OF the conference
if the nations choose to avail themselves OF it.
On one point the soviet reply is very specific.
1t declares the right Of Russia to maintain any form
tof domestic government which it pleases, and to
make such disposition of property within its juris-
diction as may be satisfactory to 1t, tree from out
side interference. This declaration of independence
would appear more logical if it were not for the fact
that the soviet government is asking for money with
which to continue its operations and to aid in the
restoration of the country. The soviet position may
be said to resemble that of the bankrupt who, de-
manding of his creditors further loans and more
goods on credit, insists on being allowed to use his
.own judgment as to paying any Of his debts, and
insists on running his business to suit himself even
though he should choose to pursue the methods
which have already impoverished him.
It is quite apparent that the relations between
Great Britain and France have been subjected to a
severe strain in the discussions attending this con-
ference. The policies supported by the two groups
have been squarely opposed to each other, and no
secret has been made Of the disagreement. Be-
Z cause of this there has been talk Of a break in the
friendly relations between the two countries, of the
possibility of new alliances in which the two will be
on opposite sides, and even of the imninence of war
between them. In the most public and emphatic
manner representatives of the two governments
have denied all such rumors, and have declared that
M II y hove hoot = 70 ro1~h oxn an
the problems presented at Genoa, there is no thought
on the part of either government of abandoning the
alliance which has been cemented by blood, and
that the two nations will stand firmly in support of
the treaty of Versailles. No matter in what vigor-
GUS terms recent points of difference may have been
emphasized, that declaration stands, not merely as
the courteous declaration of diplomats, but as. the
settled policy of two great nations. No govern
ment could long endure either in Britain or in
france which would countenance or consider a
break between these two nations.
+ y \
The subject of mandates has come to the front
also at Genoa. This time it is the British mandate
hor Palestine which has become the subject of COM
nnent. The United States is interested because of
fthe part which citizens Of this country expect to
play IN the development of that country. Not be-
ing a party to the Versailles treaty the United States
fhas not recognized the validity of any of the man
plates provided for in that treaty, these matters be-
Eng left for separate agreement between the United
Estates and the other nations>i Immediately affected.
4Such an agreement has been made with Great Bri-
tain in reference to Palestine, full recognition being
given by Great Britain to all rights claimed ,by the
United States.
In China the supremacy of the forces under
iCeneralW WI Pei-Fu seems to have been Established
although General Chang Tso-Lin is reported to be
making a stand after a long retreat ~northward, and
TO be drawing fresh troops from Mukden.i There
seems to be small prospect, however, Of his success.
General WI has assumed the functions Of a benevo-
g#lAnf dictator dee1arin0 that he .cA>Le oulx, h ..a:%.,
and progress Of China. He has not undertaken to
interfere with the Pekin government, and the latter
a has accepted his suggestions with alacrity.
s In pursuance Of an agreement made by Presi-
dent Wilson with the Liberian government the
house has passed a bill providing for the loaning to
Liberia Of 5000, 900. A curious feature in this case
2gis that the bill was opposed by all the Democrats
the former president was without legal authority
and the measure was passed only BY Republican
votes.
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