The Russian Government have issued a Circular Note to th e ir
representatives abroad with regard to the Hague Conference. It states that the programme has been accepted by all the Powers, with certain reservations. The United States, Spain, and ,Great Britain suggest, the inclusion of a proposal to limit armaments, and the United States wishes to discuss also methods of recovering public debts. Some Powers reserve the right to discuss points not yet specified, arising out of the programme. Great Britain and Japan will not discuss any question mentioned in the programme which in their opinion cannot lead to a satisfactory conclusion. Germany and Austria-Hungary make the same reservation with regard to any question that may arise, whether men- tioned in the programme or not. The Russian Government, while safeguarding themselves in a similar way, declare that they adhere to their programme. The suggested date for the Conference is June 15th.
