The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-18
POWERS STUNNED yRUSSO-GERMAN
 TREATY. SIGI!H.1 :
Genoa s.v asn So Critical Delegates Afraid to Talk Pending Examination
 by Experts
By Associated Press

Genoa, April 17.-The signing of a treaty between Germany and Rus sia which nullifies the Brest-Litovsk treaty and re-establishes full diplo- matic relations between these two countries, on basis of equality, has caused profound astonishment and resentment among the allied delega- tions. The ministers of the powers which convened the conference, de- cided at meeting held tonight to have committee of experts examine this treaty tomorrow morning to de- termine whether it conflicts with the Cannes resolution or the treaty of Versailles. Subsequently the con vening powers will meet with Po- land, Czecho-Slovakia, Rumania and Jugo-Slavia to ascertain the views of the lesser powers and deal with the report of the experts.
 The British and French delegates declared tonight that they considered the signature of the treaty 8 dts loyal act. Apparently, it may im- peril the conference.
 Unknown To Allies
 It is stated that the signing of the treaty, which took place at Rapallo yesterday, was unknown to the allied leaders when Lloyd George, Barthou, Schanzer and Theus met this after noon to consider the reply which the Russians might make to the condi- tions imposed on that country, but as soon as the delegates learned of the treaty their program was changed and the situation, which Is considered extremely grave, fully discussed.
 M. Parthou, head of the French delegation. Is seeking further instruc- tions from his government at Paris and declared that he would not sit beside Russians in semi-official meetings, while M Colrat, French under secretary of state, speaking to the correspondents, said: T have taken all necessary measures to can eel the meeting of the third com mission over which I preside, as the members of the present one do not want to sit on the same commission with Germans and Russians"
 The action of the Germans and Russians on first announcement had an almost stunning effect on the al lies.
 Premier Lloyd George said he knew these countries had been negotiating for. months. but was not aware they had signed treaty until late this afternoon.
 Situation Extremely Grave
 The situation Is so critical that the most prominent delegates are re- serving their opinions until after the experts examine the new document. which is generally regarded in allied circles as an infringement of the Genoa agenda, because it has to do with reparations and affects exist ing treaties. The French have in- should be done. Clearly there are stormy times ahead.
 The treaty provides for renunci- ation of war expenditures, damages and expenditures incurred through war prisoners, and renunciation also of all claims of German individuals or the state itself against the soviet republic. Resumption of consular and diplomatic relations is to take place immediately; commercial rela- tions are to be regulated on the most favored nation principle and the rights of the nationals of both coun- tries in the territory of the other are to be conserved.
 The two governments will assist in their economic difficulties and the German government declares itssls ready to facilitate economic treaty acts between the two countries.
 Provisions of Treaty
 The Russo-German treaty, signed on Sunday at Rapal1on by George and Dr. Walter Rathenau contains the following provisions:
 Article 1. (a) The German and Russian governments have agreed foI settle war time questions on the fol- lowing basis:
 "The German government and the soviet republic reciprocally renounce reimbursement of war expenses as well as reimbursement of war dam ages and also damages suffered by their subjects in the war territories because of military measures, in- cluding acquisition carried out in the enemy's country. Likewise the two contracting parties renounce reim- bursement of civil damages caused by the so-called exceptional laws or by coercfve measures by state authori- ties. (b) All legal relations con cerning questions of public or private law, resulting from the state of war, including the question of merchant ships acquired by either side during the war shall be settled on basis of reciprocity. (c) Germany and Russia mutually renounce the repay ment of expenses. caused by prisoners of war, in the same way as the Reich renounces repayment of expenses caused by the internment of soldiers of the Russian army. The Russian goverpment renounces payment of the sum Germany has derived from the sale of Russian army material transported into Germany.
 "Arficla 9 Garrnan,r rannuncas nu