RUSSIA AND POLAND

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 298, 10 September 1920, Page 7

RUSSIA AND POLAND

TCHITCHERIN REPLIES TO MR. BALFOUR MINIMISES SET-BACK BEFORE WARSAW WELFARE OF THE MASSES By ToleKratili—Press Association—Copyrisht lltec. September 9, 10.5 p.m.) London, September 9. M. Tchitolierin (Bolshevik Commissioner for Foreign Affairs), replying to Mr. Balfour's Note, says lie is of opinion tlio latter is under an. illusion as regards tlio liusso-Polisli military situation. He endeavours to show that tho set-back befor Warsaw was merely the unsuccessful result of cue particular operation, and argues that the situation there even has altered to the Soviet advantage, because reinforcements have been dispatched. Ho charges 'Mr. Balfour with repeating insulting accusations relating to tho nondisclosure of tho proposal for tho formation of a Polish civil militia. Referring to Mr. Balfour's observation .regarding tho Soviet's supposed failure to increase tho welfare of tho poor, M. Tchiclierin lf.unches a hifh-sounding description of the opportunities now afforded tlio masses to enjey the marvels of art formerly withheld, and tells how the palaces "have been converted into great popular clubs, where elevating entertainment abounds. —lieuter.

_ [The Russian, reply to the Anglo-Ital-ian ultimatum desonbed tho proposal for a. civic militia in Poland as o concession, inasmuch, as iffc wpuld bo a supplementary armed force tio the Polish army of 50,000, and suggested that the attitude of the British Goveirnnient was dictated by the view that workers mu&ii by nature be animated with, the doctrine of Bolshevism. Mr. Balfour, in reply, expressed gratification that the Soviet had renounced the demand for .Oka creation of a Polish workers' militia, but denied that the British Government ever recognised that the limitation of the Polish Army to fifiijy thousand men was a just peace condition. The British Government merely declared that this condition would not be considered a sufficient ground for active intervention. Mr. Balfour regarded tho Soviet's statement to the effect that the proposed civic militia was a concession to Poland as evidently a. jest, but a jest intended to disguise ifie true character of the Soviet diplomacy, and certainly requiring explanation, owing to tho Soviet concealment of the intended nature of the Polish civic militia, which concealment was now admitted. The British Parliament!, which at the adjournment wias anxious about the Polish situation, separated under the impression that Poland would neither lose her national independence nor her legitimate frontier. The Parliament and country wore certainly deceived, and the. reason therefore might be conjectured, but had not been avowed. Dealing with the suggestion that British suggekions in Wis connection were due to the fact that the civic militia must be composed of workmen, Mr. declared that it was an error. The objections would have been as strong if it were to be com- , posed of millionaires.]

POLISH NOTE TO ALLIES NEUTRALITY VIOLATED BY LITHUANIANS. London, September 8. The Polish Government's Note to the Allies and the League of Nations affirms that the Lithuanians violated neutrality by allowing Soviet troojw to use Lithuanian territory; Lithuanian troops occupied the Suwalki district, which tho Supreme Council allotted to Poland; Bolshevik troops are co-operating with the-' Lithuanians, and Bolshevik concentration is proceeding in Lithuania. Tho Note asks tho League to adopt means to prevent a repetition of such actions. On the other hand, a Lithuanian official telegram declares that the Polish statements that Bolsheviks are fighting in thS Lithuanian ranks, and tlwt the Lithuanians have an understanding with the Bolsheviks against the Poles, is absolutely false.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOLSHEVIKS MARCHING ON INDIA ' ENVER PASHA COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. London, September 8. It is reported from Moscow that Enver Pasha, at the request of Lenin and Trotsky, has been appointed Com-mander-in-Chief of tho 'Bolshevik forces which are marching on India. Tho Bolshevik forces in the Caucasus, Persia, Afghanistan, and Turkestan have been placed under his command. Enver Pasha recently sojourned at the Bolshevik headquarters at Smolensk with Trotsky. Fuench diplomatic circles consider tho principal aim of the manoeuvre is to compel Britain to make peace with Russia quickly.—Router.