Arizona republican., 1922-04-11
ARMS CLASH
MARKS FIRST
SESSION Of
GENOA MEET.
French And Russian Dele
gates Disagree AS To
Conference Work-Rus-
sian Status Big Issue
TRepubllcan A. P. Leased WireI

Republican a. +. Leased WiFeJ
GENOA, April 1o.-Russia, the
status of which is one of the ques-
tions OF supreme Importance to be
decided by the economic conference,
came to the forefront soon after the
opening of that assembly today.
Speeches were made by the presiding
officer, Premier Facta of Italy. NJ.
Barthot1, representing France. Pre-
mier Lloyd George cf Great Britain,
DR.. Wirth of Germany, and spolSes-
men of Japan and Belgium, all of a
conciiatory nature. and voicing adj
+ Aerence to the Cannes resolution.
upon which the present gathering is
based.
Mr.. Lloyd George said that all the
delegates met on footing of equality.
provided they accepted the conditions
set worth, which briefly declared that
countries must not repudiate their
contracts, that they must not engage
in aggressive operations against
others. and that the people of one
country should be entitled to justice
in the courts of another.
George Chitcherin, the Russian
soviet foreign minister, in speaking
adherence to the resolutions and then
declared that Russia was ready to
support any proposals that would
avoid war or Tighten the burden of
armament.
NJ Barthou Immediately protested,
and declared with some heat that
France would absolutely refuse to
discuss the question of disarmament
at this conference.
Mr. Lloyd George hastened to in
tervene. and in his contention that
disarmament could not be taken up,
certainly not before a peace basis had
been reached at Genoa, he was sup
ported by Signor Facta.
Eventually the discussion on this
point ceased, after NJ. Chitcherin said
the Russian delegation would bow to
the collective viii OF the conference
The clash between the Russian and
French delegates disclosed the fact
that disarmament is not on the
agenda and that therefore this matter
is not to be taken up for considera-
tion The keynote Of Mr.. Lloyd
Georges speech was peace, and he
made a powerful appeal to the dele
gates to work in unison for the res
toration of good relations and normal
economic conditions throughout the
world. He believed that if the con-
ference was successful in it's achieve
ments. the United States would not
merely come in, but come in gladly"
The italian premier. who was
elected permanent chairman Of the
conference. was equally earnest in
his desire for unaninity and promised
the aid of italy in carrying out any
resolution likely to guarantee peace
and stability among the nations.
NJ. Barthou pledged the loyal sup
port of France in whatever the con-
ference might do to put into execu-
tion the tasks of reconstruction and
good relationship which it h d
mapped out
The British delegation Is pleased
with the progress of the conference.
General acceptance of the definite
principle of the Cannes resolution
makes certain that the deliberations
will continue with every prospect of
success.
Disappointment is felt at NJ Chit
cherin's pressure on questions out
side the Cannes agenda because
Frances opposition naturally has
aroused and threatened the gathering
at the very outset.
British and allied diplomats admit
that Lloyd George rose not a moment
100 soon to dissipate the raenace by
appealing to common sence. His ap-
peal was all the more effective when
he refused to take the head OF the
Russian delegation and the threatened
deadlock seriously. His remarks en-
tirely restored good humor and on
returning to his villa. he received the
congratulations of delegations of
various nationalities. The Italian
delegates went so far as to say that
Mr.. Lloyd George saved the confer
ence. and the British delegation pays
tribute to Premier Facta's tact and
Continued on Page Two)