, 1922-04-27
Russians and Germans Almost
Break Up the Economic Con-
ference at Genoa.
SIGN TREATY OF THEIR OWN
Allies Bar Germany From Chief Com
mittee but Neutrals Protest-Fioht-
ing in Ireland Increases-Little
Navy Advocates Are Defeat
ed in the House.
BY EDWARD w. PIcKARD

TOR several days last week it was
L thought the Genoa conference was
about to break up in a row, but at
this writing 1t appears possible that
the trouble will be fixed up and the
discussion of plans for the economic
regeneration of Europe will continue.
Germany and Russia precipitated
the row, and the former got most of
the blame, the soviet delegate, Tchitch-
erin, being credited with a clever move.
Following up the negotiations begun
in Berlin. he and Doctor Rathenau got
together in Rapallo and signed for
their respective governments a treaty
that anticipates what might be done
by the Genoa conference. The two
countries agree to cancel all war debts,
all claims for war damages, n all
claims for damages due to the soviets'
Matchmaking German property. pro-
viding Russia does not repay other for
eign nations for this nationalization.
In the latter case. Germany maintains
the right TO claim damages. 1t is
agreed that Germany and Russia rec
ognize each other inc resume full
diplomatic and trade relations. that
they treat each other as most favored
nations. and hat the treaty of Brest-
Litovsk is cancelled.
Announcement of this pact brought
expressions OF indignant protest from
Lloyd George and Barthou, who were
seconded rather weakly by Facta of
Italy, and more earnestly by Theunys
of Belgium and Ishii of Japan. These
five statesmen then called in the
delegates of Czechoslovakia. Poland.
Rumanla and Jugo-Slavia and all
signed n note to the German delega-
ton telling of their panied surprise
at its action, which they said violated
the conditions Germany accepted
when she entered the conference, and
their decision that rs a result Ger
many should not be permitted TO take
part In any future discussions or de-
cisions relating to Russian affairs.
The Germans took this kick rather
calmly, and some of them said they
would rather leave Genoa than with
draw the treaty-a choice which
Lloyd George offered them Wednes-
day. But the neutral nations-Nor-
way. Sweden, Denmark, Holland,
spun ulu oWllLtlt u"UIVibD llntu
up against the allies md Joined Rus
STA In the defiant statement that Ger
many could not be barred from par
%ticipation In discussion OF Russian nf-
fairs except by full vote OF the con
ference. This action was actuated
both by resentment against the Brit
ish premler's attempts to dominate
the conference and by the fear that
In the private conversations that have
been going on In his Genoa villa ar
rangements would be made with Rus
sin that would prejudice the interests
OF the smaller powers. The Russians
also Insisted hat Germany must sit
In all conferences because there were
many questions still Mt Issue between
Germany and Russia. on Thursday,
however. Lloyd George said the Ger
mans had agreed not to participate in
discussions of Russian affairs.
ID ARTHOU of France held with
- Lloyd George that the I,usso-Ger-
man pact revealed violations OF the
treaty Of Versailles and that the Ger
mans must be excluded. He was
backed up to the limit by his govern
ment. Premier Polncarc sent TO the
French ambassadors In the allied
countries Instructions TO Insist that
energetic measures be taken and pen
alties applied to Germany II the RAJ
pnllo trenty were not nbrognted. re-
gardlcss OF what the Genoa confer
anea uoluht Iaeida I'm tho matter He