THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1920, Page 1

THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT

STATEMENT BY HON BON-Alt LAW

(Reuter’s Telegrams.)

(Received this day. at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 14

111 tin: Commons Hon. Ilonur Law read a telegram sent by the Britisn Government to tlio Soviet Government on the 11th., proposing an immediate ltiipao-l’olisii arpii.itirle whereby tlio Polish armies would immediately witndraw to the Eastern boundary of Poland and as soon as possible thereafter, representatives of Soviet Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Lavia and Finland would assemble in London under the auspices of the Peace Conference to no gotiate the final peace between Russia and its neutral States. Representatives of East Galicia will also be invited to the Conference. The British Government also proposed a simultaneous armistice between the Soviet forces, and General Wrangel on tlio basis that AYrangel’s forces immediately retire frorii Crimea, which will be neutral during the armistice and that Wrangel he invited to London to discuss the future of his troops and refugees, hut he will not be a member of the oon • ference. The British Government binds itself not to assist Poland in any purpose hostile to Russia, and to take no action itself hostile to Russia. She is also bound under the Covenant of the League of Nations to defend the integrity of Poland within certain frontiers. If, therefore the Soviet Government, despite its repeated declarations will not bo content with the withdrawal of Polish armies from Russia on conditions of a mutual armistice, but inbonds to take action hostile to Poland ia Poland’s own territory, the British Government and Allies will feel hound to assist Poland to defend its existence with all the means at their disposal. The Polish Government declared their willingness to make peace with Soviet Russia and negotiate for an armistice on the above basis.

As soon ns it was informed that the Soviet also agreed, the British Government had stated it wouT4 be glad of a definite reply within a week. Replying to Mr Asquith, Air Bonnr Law said this message was sent by wireless to Moscow with the knowledge and approval of the Allies.