Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-04-04

I up his argument, now leaning in con-
and again standing up and thrust
ing home some point with clenched
fists as his voice vibrated with
emotion. -
Peace. was necessary for the re-
establishment Of Europe-the Genoa
conference was necessary for the re-
establishment of peace, and inter-
locked with this was the fate of the
present British government.
He denied that his resolution had
been altered from the original and
weakened because of differences in
the cabinet. Twice he referrd to-
predictions about the fall of his
government. and jokingly gave some
advice as "a dying minister"
In the midst of his reference to
Russia he took a sly jibe at MIR.
Churchill, who sat next him on the
bench, hunched up with his chin on
his chest in his usual attitude. 1t
had been widely published that Mr..
Churchill differed greatly with the
premier on the policy Of partial
recognition of the soviet. The pre-
mier, in drawing a parallel with the
French revolution. cited how Pitt had
failed to make peace with the rev.
olutionists. and, after a slight pause,
! added with smile:
Il believe he met with opposition
from one Of the most influential of his
cabinet"
Mr.. Churchill Joined with the House
| i,, hexr of
which was renewed when Mr.. Lloyd
George remarked:
| Fortunately. have no such OPPOSE
tion," and turned to Mr.. Churchill as
he spoke.
| The premier sat down amid another
burst of applause and the debate was
begun.
This result is regarded as exceed
| ingly satisfactory for the prime min
lister, as the combined Laborites and
Independent Liberals number about
one hundred and the Idle hards"
about fifty, all of whom might have
been expected to oppose the prem
ler's resolution.
The prime minister's speech in
wiling parliament to vote confidence
in the governments Genoa policy was
noteworthy inasmuch as it touched
! only lightly upon the political crisis
at home and because it endorsed the
French policy toward Russia, al
though Mr.. Lloyd George himself
displayed much sympathyfor an en-
| tirely conciliatory attitude toward
| Russia, and. further, in that it
sought accommodation with the
| Soviet government, lest by waiting it
might eventually be necessary to deal
with still more irresconcilable or
militarstic regime, which might en-
broil the whole of Europe.
| While emphasizing that nothing
could be gained by waiting for. the
overthrow Of the Soviet administra-
ton, the prime minister accepted the
French standpoint, demanding
guarantees with respect to Russia's
debts and obligations, and stipulat-
ing a period of probation of six
months or year, but less If Russia
gave the necessary guarantees, be-
fore full recognition was accorded.
| The premier indicated his belief in
the insincerity of the conversion of
Nickolai Lenine and the Soviet to a
diluted form of communism.
Perhaps the most interesting of
Mr.. Lloyd Georges proposals was
that exchanges should be stabilized
ar some maintainable figure, but no
details were given as to how he pro-
posed to effect this. except that it
might be attained by some form of
international cooperation and pres
sure.
The debate which followed the
premier's speech was rather tame 1t
was nearly realized that there would
be no brcakaway of the Unionists,
which would endanger the confidence
resolution, hence interest dwindled
until division was taken.
The rather unusual course of de-
handing division on the main resolu-
ton was followed after the Clynes
amendment was defeated. When
finally "a members recorded their
opposition to the resolution of con-
fidencc.
The prime minister and his sup
porters managed to keep the whole
question resolutely on the Genoa de-
cision. but q motion will be moved
on Wednesday by Sir William Joyn-
son-Hicks. Unionist. to the effect that
sin the opinion of this house lack of
definite and coherent principle in the
policy of the present coalition gov
eminent can only be remedied by the
establishment of ministry compos-
ed of men united by identity of poll i.
teal principles"