Norwich bulletin., 1922-06-13

such an accord Qld not eXlSt.
 ''The discussions at Genoa" the note declares, have shown that fundamental divergencies do exist between the allies on many important points. It is not req sonable to appear before the soviet dele gates without a concerted plan; they have shown at Genoa how well they inn proved every opportunity to profit by the slightest difference between the allies. Several other powers understand that thre should be a preliminary agreement between the allies before netting the Rus sians.
 'The French suggestion that the mem orandua of May II should be withdrawn previous to the meeting of the experts would have had the merit of avoiding all ambiguity, but if it is declared that this document is annulled by the minutes of the plenary session of the Genoa confer ence, that it will be ignored by The Hague experts and that if the Russians invoke it it will not be 'countenanced, it is evident that in fact such a procedure is indirectly equivalent to withdrawal of the memorandum
 "The French government, as we'll as the British considers that a cast arising in The Hague conference must be absolutely governed by the Cannes resolutions, be- cause in documents successively intro duced at Genoa by the soviets they de- liberateiy departed in letter and spirit | from these resolutions, to which the French government insists upon the ne- cessity of adhering,
 COn6erninK Private Property Concerning private property, the French government recognizes the right | of requistion, which it has itself made use of, but subject to just indemnity, which the soviet government in it's pres ent situation is not capable of assuring except in a few limited cases. Such com pensation offered under these circum- stances would be illusory for the interest ed parties or ruinous to Russia.
 Therefore, to avoid settling upon an arrangement which would be an imposi- tion, restitution must be the rule, com pensation the exception. The plan pro posed by the French memorandum is the f )nly one which both guarantees the inte- | ests of the proprietors and Russia, and, | placed before them unanimously by
 he allies, the soviets will accept it.
 "The British government is not igno- ! .ant that such an agreement could not be 1 reached at Genoa on this point, not only with the Russians, but also among the other delegations. Notwithstanding these differences, Italy has succeeded in ensur- ing in the treaty which she has just con- cluded with the soviets that concessions granted her subjects cannot be in the fu- ture appropriated from them.
 "The soviets have thus renounced their doctrines and internal legislation in ltaly's favor. It is therefore all the more probable that they would reduce the rights of the citizens of all other na- tions if they united to defend them.
 Desires Retoration of Russia.
 There should be no mistake about the
 manner in which Frence understands
 the formation of the plan for the restora-
 tion of Russia. Frence, as much as any
 other power in Europe desires the re.
 storation of Russia and her reappearance into the concert of Europe. That is why
 the French government deplored the hastS
 and incomplete work at Genoa and thC , vague plans for reconstruction which of l fered no positive program to the Russian
 delegates. Of course, the attitude o f Russia did not permit the question to b.
 studied with her. but mas it been studio, seriously without her? The study shoult
 be taken up again, consulting, where nee
 essary, the Russian experts, as the Frencl , memorandum proposes, but, above all, b. , proceeding with the consent of the sovie
 government to investigations on the spot
 Tt is difficult to ascertain the exac situation of Russia merely by listenin to the affirmations of the soviet dele
 gates. The restoration of Russia is on . possible with the good will of the Rus
 sian government, whatever it may b' Can 1t be pretended that the Russian dele
 gation at Genoa has done anything t 1 facilitate such an enterprise? It would b
 a misunderstanding, travesty of the ir ttentions of the French government to pre-
 tend that it thought of proposing a ready \ made plan for restoration under the fori
 of an ultimatum.
 e Should The Hague meeting take plac !, the French government desires to kee - tsrictly to the study of practical near g for settling the questions of debts, privat - property and credits, to the exclusion s all political discussions, but persists s recommending a preliminary examinatio l. without the Russians of the proposals a be presented by common accord. Regarding Russian Debts
 'Regarding the Russian debts, Il IT French government can only refer to i d memorandum of June 1. It is imposs d ble to accept at the present time any r e duction in the war claims of Russi n The French government is ready to grai l Russia facilities Tor payment, made ne h essary by the economic and financial si z uation of that country, but present ci s- cumstances do not lend themselves e abandonment by the French governme n of any part of it's claims
 70 Regarding pre-war loans the Fren, m government absolutely insists that u 70 rights of holders Of ENewar Russian bon g be recognized and respected anu tn
 effective guarantees be furnished by tl .o soviets.
 ss Concerning private property Fran II can oily maintain the principles set for ,e in its memorandum of June, referred lr above,
 De- "As to credits, 1t pe.ms to tho FFen sr government, as to the British, that Russ of will only find them if 1t offers eeaditle r. which will satisfy lenders. The FFeH i- government has indicated same of the
 conditions, Preliminary and thereu G. study of this question would net be wit ie outs it's uses by FeaseR ef the imHen e. needs of Russia, it's FuiHsus state, and { a. se tn view of the demands formulated TO the prospective lenders tswaFd ether es i'd tain countries whess prosperity d