SILESIAN PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 274, 13 August 1921, Page 7

SILESIAN PROBLEM

DEADLOCK REACHED SUPREME COUNCIL’S SERIOUS DIFFERENCES OF OPINION MR. LLOYD GEORGE LEAVES FOR LONDON By Telegraph—Pres* Association— Copyright London, August 11. The Supreme Council meeting ended in a deadlock over the Upper Silesian question. Mr. Lloyd George is returning to London, but the other British delegates remain in Paris. When tho Council afsemhled, Mr. Lloyd George and M. Briand embarked on a calm discussion of the revised report of the Allied experts, which was meantime presented. After a few minutes his secretary handed Mr. Lloyd George Mr. de Valera’s reply. Mr. Lloyd George glanced at the contents, and abruptly informed M. Briand that he was compelled to abandon the Council session and return to London immediately. M. Briand, in a subsequent statement, sympathised with Mr. Lloyd George. He said he appreciated his difficulties, and acquiesced cheerfully in his departure. He and Mr. Lloyd George had agreed that no useful purpose would ho served by Mr. Lloyd George remaining until Saturday. As a matter of fact, a. deadlock had then been reached in the Franco-British relations. The French Cabinet will meet on Friday, prior to which Mr, Lloyd George will interview M. Briand again belore returning to London. Lord Curzon remains to act on Mr. Lloyd George’s behalf during the Council’s remaining sessions. In an interview, M. Briand said that M;i*. Lloyd George’s dfcpa/rtujre should not be interpreted as a breach of the Entente, but he frankly admitted that between Britain and France there were serious differences of opinion upon which he was compelled to consult his Cabinet. He recognised the urgency of the Irish problem, necessitating Mr. Lloyd George’s return, and concluded: J still am hopeful, and am always hopeful to the last minute, that we shall reach an agreement." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOUNDARY EXPERTS’ PROPOSALS. Paris, August 11. It is reported that the Silesian boundary experts have practically reached an agreement. They propose 4i frontier following generally the line suggested by Count Sforza, but giving Zaborze to Germany, and Beutben to Poland, whereas France is trying- to secure Zaborze for Poland. Great Britain wants Germany to have Beutheu. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SUDDEN CHANGE IN 01l i LOOK FRENCH PREMIER’S INSISTENCE. (Rec. August 12, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, .August 12. The. changed outlook at the Supreme Council was arrived at with most dramatic suddenness on Thursday night. The experts worked late the previous night, attempting io present an acceptable compromise regarding Upper Silesia, in readiness lor the council’s morning session. Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Curzon. and the French delegation met at breakfast on Thursday, and' discussed the situation. It was immediately obvious that M. Briand had become more insistent than previously, appealing strenuously for the adoption of the French viewpoint. Mr. Lloyd George wa.s. adamant, and declared that it was necessary to await the. experts’ rejwrt. Ho firmly opposed further procrastina.tion. An immediate solution was necessary in everyone's interests. After two hours’ discussion Mr. Lloyd George peremptorily declined to make any conces-sion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A SEMI-OFFICIAL STATEMENT FRANCE CONSIDERING BRITISH AND ITALIAN PROPOSALS. (Rec. August 12, 5.5 p.m.) Lonffon, August 12. Mr. Lloyd George, M. Briand. an.d Lord Curzon, had unsuccessfully attempted to arrive at\an understanding, but the task proved hopeless. Following sensational rumours# credit ing the British delegation with the intention' of packing up their bags and baggage and returning to .London, Air. Lloyd George and M. Briand had a further interview in (be evening, after which the following semi-official communique was issued: ‘The experts have reported regarding Upper Silesia, and the report has been discussed by the Allied representatives. Certain differences of opinion exist between. Britain and Italy on the one hand and France on the other. The proposals of the British and Italians are now being considered by theFrench Government.”

The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Express” states, that the rupture was caused by a clause in the experts' report that certain communes were inseparably divided, which upsets the French partition scheme. The entire question has been referred back to the experts. It is hoped that the Council will have a new proposition warranting resumption on Saturday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR INTERVIEWED POLICY' OF PEACE. NOT DISCORD, WANTED. Paris, August 11. The "Journal’s” correspondent at Berlin interviewed the Chancellor (Herr Wirthl. who denied the French suggestion that Germany was attempting to drive a wedge between France and England. Such a policy would only give Germany a. provisional and temporary success. "We want a policy of peace, not discord,” he said. "We wish to realise our aims by tho execution of the undertakings we have contracted, not by threats and intrigues.” Germany woulo be able to execute her undertakings, as the new taxation schemes were intended to raise eighty thousand million paper marks per year.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANY APOLOGISES TO BRITAIN FOR UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON TROOPS. (Rec. August 12, 9.40 p.m.) London, August 11. It is officially stated that fifteen British soldiers, on August 7 accompanying the French District Controller, searching for hidden arms in the Rosenberg district, ‘Silesia, were attacked and tired on bv three huudrcu Germans. Under threat of death, the British surrendered their arms and the prisoners they had captured. Subsequently the German plenipotentiary in Upper Silesia culled on the British Commissioner ami apologised on behalf of the Gorman Government for the unprovoked attack on troops engaged in executing a lawful duty.—Reuter.