New-York tribune., 1922-04-15


French, but it is evident that the Bot
sheyiki regard this country as their
most formidable opponent in the con
ference.
The Allies have practically agreed
10 adopt some OF the Russian sugges
tions as a basis of conciiation, espe-
cially those which concern the judicial
section OF the report of the London
experts. to which the Russians partieu-
larly object
II seems to be the plan of the Bol
shevik delegates TO make as much
noise as possible with the idea OF i'm
pressing Moscow with the notion that
they arc the dominating factors in the
conference. This is made evident by
the stenographic records of their
speeches which arc being sent to
Lenine as fast as made.
Balk at ANY Indemnity
Rakowsky, one Of the Red delegates,
said that the Bolsheviki have not come
TO the conference with the idea of hav-
ing the moose put around their necks
N the shape of reparatlons which
would end the political and economic
independence of Russia. He said they
did not intend that the millions OF
Russia would be placed in the position
where they had nothing to look forward
10 except toll for the rest Of their
DAYS to pay off the war debts. He as
serted it would not be possible for the
Russians to pay even the interest on
debts and indemnities.
1--WE admit, in principle, that we are
obliged to pay those who have iegit-
mate claims upon us, but aside from
the loans made by the Allied govern
ments to the CZarist government we
have claims against them that about
eaualize the score. 1t is ridiculous for
France to insist upon the payment of
old Russian debts while she is refus-
ing TO pay her own debts to England
and the United States. In fact, nobody
seems willing to pay war debts. How
ever. we have come here III spirit OF
Cancellation and we hope that we can
find common ground for agreement
Behind the scenes of the conference
great deal of negotiating is going on
and there are constant private conver
sations between Lloyd George, Schan-
zer, Barthou, Facta, Wirth and the Rus
slams. Secret diplomacy is still flour
ishing and, despite all the talk of the
equality of nations at this conference,
the big nations continue to WELD the
dominant influence.
Britain and Italy Together
The British seem to have the strong
grip on ali the commissions and Italy
has allied herself with them and also
acts as go-between for the opposite
bloc, composed of Germany. Russia and
Baltic states. France and Belgium are
holding together, but are not able to
make much progress or gain much sup
port from the other states, Poland and
CZecho- -Slovakia alone seeming to show
any inclination to follow their lead
The Scandinavian powers, with Swift
zerland and Spain, are assuming a neu-
trail role, but their sympathies arc OBJ
viously with the Germans. All the
French delegates are insisting that the
conference be limited strictly to the
Cannes resolutions, and frequently the
Interpretation of these resolutions diff
fer materially with those of the Brit
ish and the Italians, the latter being
particularly anxious to give the Ger
mans and Russians no cause for com
plaint.
NJ. Colrat, French chairman of the
economic commission, made two sug-
gestions to-day which were unaccept-
able to the other delegates. He wanted
this commission divided into four sub
committees, but the British insisted
that two were sufficient. The Germans
and Russians, combined with the
Serbians and the Dutch, took the side
OF the British and defeated the French
suggestion.
Change in French Attitude
NJ. Coirat also wanted sub commit
tee formed by five Allied experts. bu+
mere again he was beaten by practi-
cally the same lineup. In beth cases ;
the FRENCH suggestions designed to sew
up the Russians and the Germans.
II may be said, however, that the
french are beginning to change their
attitude toward the conference, and the
policy of obstruction which thew
seemed to have agreed upon at the out
set has been reconsidered. Thev are
beginning to realize that if the con-
terence accompishes half of it's pro-
gram; an attitude of hostility by them
would be fatal to their ambitions.
On the recommendation of Sir Roh
ert Stevenson Horne, a committee of
economists has been appointed to
assist the commission. This committee
includes Gustave Cassel, Sweden. DR.
Elssingen, director of the Netherlands
Bank; DR.. Prospisil, director of the
Prague Savings Bank, and Sir Basil
Blackett, of England, who will be
chairman, The Russians wanted a place
on this committee, but were unable to
name an authority who ranked with
nose OF other nations. Frank A. Van
derhp was not selected for this com
ml'tee because he had no official or
uholhc!ai standing. However, he will
De invited to give his opinions before
The committee.
Financial Experts Meet To-day
GENOA, April ID (By The Associated
Press TO morning the fnan-
clai experts of the powers represented
at to-days meeting again will gather
at Lloyd Georges villa. and in the
afternoon they probably will be iojned
ny the principal delegates of the five
countries. Germany has not been
sSed to attend these private confer
hees. as she was not a party to the
e'naklng Of the London experts report,
me strengthening out of the moot
points IN the report will be effected at
Informal meetings before Cerman''
called in. 1t had been expected fbat
Russia would make her reply to the the
report of the experts tomorrow, but /