The New York herald., 1922-04-18
PACT GREAT SURPRISE
TO ALLIED LEADERS
NeUs Came as Shock When
AUaiting Russia's Reply.

GENOAs Npfll IL lASSOCldleu ITcSSJ.-
The signing of a treaty between Ger
many and Russia which nullifies the
Brest-Litovsk treaty and reestablishes
full diplomatic relations between these
two countries on a basis Of equality, has
caused profound astonishment and re-
sentiment among the allied delegations.
The Ministers of the Powers which con-
vened the conference decided at meet
ing held tonight to have committee
of experts examine this treaty to-mor-
row morning TO determine whether it
conflicts with the Cannes resolutions or
the treaty of Versailles
Subsequently the convening Powers
will meet with Poland. Czecho-Sl -Slovakia.
Rumania and Jugo-Slavia to ascertain
the vicws OF the lesser Powers and deal
with the report of the experts.
It Is stated that the signing of the
treaty. which took place at Rapallo yes
terday, was unknown to the allied lead
ers when Lloyd George, Barthou Schan-
zer and Th.unys met this afternoon to
consider the reply which the Russians
might make 20 the conditions imposed
on that country. by the report of the
learned OF the treaty their program was
changed and the situation. which is con-
sldered extremely grave, was fully dis
cussed.
NJ. colras French Under Secretary OF
State, speaking to the correspondents to-
night. said II have taken all neces-
sary measures to cancel the meeting OF
the third commission. over whcch I pre-
side rs the members of the present one
= 80. rtf q fe-
sion as the Germans and Russians
The action OF the Germans and Rus
SLAMS. on first announcement, had an al
most stunning effect on the Allies.
Premier Lloyd George said he knew
those countries had been negotiating for
months, but was not aware they had
signed a treaty until late this afternoon.
The situation is so critical that the
most prominent delegates are reserving
their opinions until after the experts ex-
anime the new document. which Is gem
orally regarded in allied circles as an
infringement of the Genoa agenda be-
cause it has to do with reparations and
affects existing treaties. The French
have insisted that neither of these things
should be done. Clearly there are stormy
times ahead. Aa as4s
Reuters correspondent here sends the
following dispatch to London:
"The five heads OF the allied delega-
tions met at Premier Facta's villa at
o'clock this evening. Signor Schanzer.
like Mr.. Lloyd George. expressed his
astonishment to the German official who
handed him the text of the treaty Just
before the meeting. Everybody Is f,ri-
Gus. but the Allies will take no definite
action until they have the night to
think the matter over. 1t is not thought
fhe incident will result in breaking up
the conference.
'Mr. Lloyd George heard of the treaty
quite accidentally while on his way to
the conference at Signor Facta's. He
sent word by the German secretary, who
brought copy of the treaty that he
took a very grave veiw or the Ger
mans action and was unable to under
stand why they thus had gone behind
the backs of the Powers.
1T is stated in British circles In
Genoa that the possibility of Russo
German agreement had long been fore
seen. One of the reasons for pressing
forward a general understanding was
the desire to prevent division of Eu-
rope into two camps. 1t is considered
that Gernsny's action places her in a
worse position toward the Allies. So
far as Russia is concerned the situa-
tion at Genoa remains unaffected.
IAN official communication issued by
the German delegation says that for
several months negotiations have been
going on for complete resumption OF
diplomatic relations, which yesterday
resulted in the conclusion of the Russo
German Treaty. and adds that the fact
that the treaty has been signed at
Genoa and during the conference ought
not to be interpreted as proof that the
two Governments are pursuing separate
aims.
"The communication explains that the
treaty rests on the basis of complete
recognition OF the principles OF reci-
procitv and involves complete and inn
mediate resumption OF diplomatic re-
lations.
THE communication continues: 1T
may be said that Germany and Russia
have drawn n big line under the ac-
counts OF the past and have created
in suppression to the treaty of Brest-
Iitovsk, which has become obsolete--a
fresh statute Of rights which insures the
two peoples complete equality and sure
conditions for economic cooperation In
peace. The two Governments have taken
dheir stand on realities by suppressing
all obstacles arising from the past,
which is the only way TO make possible
all developments that may be expected
from their cooperation In the future"
BERLIN. April II ASSOCIATED Press) -
An official communication announcing
the conclusion OF a Russo-German treaty
at Genoa says tho treaty has been under
consideration for the last two months.
The original draft was prepared and
submitted by Jeond Krassine early In
February, since when iis scope and
character have been literally amplihed
through conversations between Berlin.
Riga and Moscow. The Government
freely consulted the German Industrialist
League and also dispatched prominent
leaders OF the league to Moscow and
petrograd with the purpose Of obtaining
Il first hand View OF the economic situa-
tion.
The communication declares the pres
ent treaty virtually received the final
approval Of both the contracting parties
when the Russian delegation TO Genoa,
including Tchiihorin Litvinoff. Joffe.
Krassine and Rakovsky. we're In Berlin
on their way TO Italy, but, that the
fornality Of signing was deferred until
all tho parties TO the compact had been
conveniently gathered together In Genoa.
The communication adds that both
Governments had decided TO wipe the
slate clean" desiring 10 lay the founda-
tioh, mutually for future reconstruction.
Whether official and diplomatic rcla-
rions between Russia and Germany will
be Immediately resumed Is not indicated
y in the communication. 1t shows the
treaty vouchsafes to the contracting
parties the benefits OF most favored
-