The New York herald., 1922-04-22
Discomfort at Russo-German
Pact Affects Usefulness
Of the Delegation.
SOVIET EVASIyE, is VIEW
Poincare Declares Surprise
Treaty Is lllegal-Fears
Rcparations Failure.

Special Cable to THE New YoaK HERALD.
Copyright, 1872. bv THE NEw York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, April 81.
TIE NEW YORK HERALD correspon-
dent was informed at the Foreign
Office this afternoon that hcncefor-
ward the Eycnch delegation at Genoa
will confine its activities largely to the
prevention of discussion of tabooed
subjects like reparations and disarma-
mcnt and giving the French view on
other economic points, and will join in
no definite decisions which tho rest OF
the nations represented at the confer
cncc may wish to sign during the fina'
sessions. There is no doubt that the
discontented and almost angry state
OF French opinion has considerably re-
duced the usefulness of the French
delegation.
1--WE consider that the conference
henceforth is one whose purpose is to
make recommendations. not to make de-
cisions." said a high authority. who
stressed the point that this would leave
the hands OF the French Government
free to settle the legitimacy Of the
Russo-German treaty in appeals TO the
Reparations Commission, the Council Of
Ambassadors, the Supreme Council. or
even juridical committees o. the League
of Nations, which will lie asked not 10
permit the admission of Germany until
the treaty. which already has been de-
h.. IT,. -
loyal" has been abrogated.
French Call Reply Evasivc.
Under these conditions Germany g
withdrawal from these commissions OF
the conference having to do with Rus
sian affairs becomes of minor impor-
tanc next TO the struggle which Is TO
centre upon the Russians demand in
to-day's note for recognition and adj
vance OF cash before debts and foreign
property rights will be recognized by the
Soviet Government
The same authority expressed the Off
clal French attitude ms transmitted to-
night TO Louis Barthou. head or the
French delegation, thus:
The Russisns have tried to define, re
the basic condition for the execution Of
their obligations. the same conditions as
those fixed UP by the inviting nations
for Russia's participation and eventual
recognition.
"yhe French Government considers
that the Russians reply Is cvasivc in
trying TO befog the real issues. and viii
not give its consent to any subyersion
of the London experts report unless
the fullest guarantees arc given before
hand that all conditions viii be promptly
carried out. The recognition Of Russia
Is to be q sort Of compensation for good
faith. once II has been proved 10 inter-
national satisfaction"
May Bring AngIo-Frcnch Accord.
IL is fact that NJ. Poincare intends
10 90 10 Genoa to confer with Mr. Lloyd
George, but not until he has obtained
juridical opinion to present TO the Brit
ish Premier. NJ Poincsre, II Is said.
probably wll suggest meeting him at
the end OF the first week OF May. but he
will not relieve VI. Barthou as the pro-
tector Of French rights in the confer
ence proper.
IL he is able TO confront Mr.. Lloyd
George with legal opinion that the
Russo German treaty is counter TO the
reparations provisions Of the Versailles
treaty. and therefore likely TO entail a
Russo German military accord in the
event Germany balks at making the
reparations payments due May 81. the
Foreign office believes that NJ. Poin-
care will have a conclusive argument
for the immediate signing of Franco.
British offensive and defensive alliance.
with Poland considered as Frances
eastern frontier against the Bolshevlki.
Premier Poncare u greatly annoyed
by the attacks Of newspapers. repre-
senting nearly every political group In
the Chamber. upon the afeebleness of
the French delegation" but he Is con.
fidcnt that tho Rcparations Commission
md other organizations VIII support
bis thesis that tho Russo-Gcrman treaty
is Illegal
PARIS. April 2i.--Strong terms arc
used b. the evening newspapers rc-
garding Genoa. The Temps says The
spirit OF weakness. levity, Illusion and
ignorance characterizing the Genoa con-
ference IS not the spirit TO prevent war
or put IN order affairs with Germany"
Thc journal des Debdts says: Yes
terdays proceedings were pitiabic II
win be q miracle " tho conference docs
not end vi chaos"