New-York tribune., 1922-05-16
Plan Is Held to Involve
the Same Difficulties
That Existed at Genoa;
Russia lis Own Savior
Hughes and Hoover
Policy Victorious
Borah Demands Recogni-
ton of Lenine i'm Reso.
luton in the Senate
By Carter Field

United States refused tonight to
take part in the proposed interna-
tional conference at The Hague.
The ground of the refusal was tha.
the proposed gathering is to be a
continuance, under another name.
OF the Genoa conference.
The same difficulties will be en-
countered at this renewal Of the
Genoa conference, it was pointed
out in note dispatched tonight,
signed by Secretary Hughes, which
were disclosed by the proposals to
Russia made at Genoa and answered
on May II.
In brief, the Russians at that time
refused to accept the conditions
proposed by the powers as contin-
gent to recognition of Russia. and
proposed that commission of ex-
perts be appointed to study The
Russian financial situation.
Hughes and Hoover Win
To-night's note is regarded here
as a great victory for the Hughes
and Hoover point of view. This is
brought out especially in the SEN
tence: "The unacceptable and uiti-
mate question would appear to be
the restoration of productivity in
Russia. the essential conditions of
which are still to be secured and
must in the nature of things be pro-
vided within Russia herself"
Secretary Hoover has been point
ing out right along that, for the
present at least, Russia has nothing
to trade, and that therefore it would
be idle TO resume diplomatic and
trade relations with her.
The Secretary Of Commerce, as is
told in another column, took this
same view again tonight in a speech
delivered to the Chamber of Com
iiiSiS VI tilS 0iltLSN Ct:iltS.
What amounts to a counter pro-
posal is made by the American note
tonight. This is that this govern
ment would be willing to join with
the other governments concerned in
arranging an inquiry by experts into
the economic situation in Russia and
"the necessary remedies"
Such an inquiry, the note peiYifs
out, would appropriately deal witt,
the economic prerequisites of resto-
ration of production in Russia, with
out which there would appear to bs
lacking any sound basis for credits"
Plans Held Indefinite
In conclusion the note states that the
United States is most willing to givs
serious attention to any proposals OF
the Genoa conference o. any later con-
ference, but that the present sugccs-
tions, in this government view, ara
lacking in the dehniteness which this
grN crnment viii require
Following is the text of this govern
mcnts reply, delivered through Rich
ard Washbur Child, American Ambas-
sador to Italy:
This government has carefully con-
sdered the invitation extended to It
by the president Of the Genoa confer
cnce, under the conditions set forth in
the agreement o. the inviting powers.
TO Join the proposed commission to
meet at The Hague on June Is This
government is most desirous TO aid in
every practicable way the considera-
tion Of the economic exigences in Rus
sla, and wishes again to express the.
deep friendship felt by the people OF
the United States for the people OF
Russia and their keen interest in all
proceedings looking to the recovery of
their economic life and the return of
the prosperity to which their capacities
and resources entitle them. The
American people have given the most
tangible evidence Of their unselfsh in
terest in the economic recureration of
fussia, and this government would be
most reluctant to abstain from any
opportunity for helpfulness
This government, however, is un-
able to conclude that it can helpfulIy
participate IN the meeting at The
AS0SoNf 40 WIS WOuIu appear 10 ne
continuance under different nomen-
clature Of the Genoa conference and
destined to encounter the same diff.
ficuities if the attitude disclosed in
the Russian memorandum Of May II
remains unchanged.
The lnescapable and ultimate ouas-
ton would appear to be the restoration
OF productivity in Russia, the essentia; .
conditions of which are still to be Sc
cured and must in the nature Of thing,
be provided within Russia herself.
Suggests An Alternative
While this government has hel;ev.a
that these conditions are reasonable
clear IT has always been ready to io;n
with the governments extending the
present invitation in arranging for an
lnquiry by experts into The econornie
situation in Russia and tbs necessary
remedies. Such an inquiry would an. /,
propriately deal with the cconornic orr.
requisites Of that restoration Of prc~
ductiOn in RuaRi1 uuifNn,,% .~.hssE ~