THE ALLIES’ POLICY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1920, Page 2

THE ALLIES’ POLICY.

STATEMENT BY MR LLOYD GEORGE.

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LONDON, August 10. In the House of Commons, Mr Lloyd George made a statement before a crowded House in regard to the Polish situation. M. Krassin and M. Kameneff, the Russian trade delegates were present in the Stranger’s Gallery. Mr Lloyd George expressed himself ’as still hopeful of pace, but, in view of the fact that the House would be rising at the end of the Week, he proposed to indicate the Government’s intentions in certain contingencies. In restating the position, .lie repeated his opinion that the Polish attack was unjustified. He considered the Soviet Government was entitled to take into account in its peace conditions that the Poles not only atteked Russia, but did so despite British and French warnings. The Soviet Government was entitled to demand guarantees against a repetition of similar attacks but nothing could justify reprisals or punishment which would destroy the aggressors’ national existence. It had, furthermore, to be considered that the independence of Poland was an essential part of the structure of European peace. A repartition of Poland would be not only a crime but a peril. These 'contingencies must be considered as the basis of our policy.

The Premier then summarised the events which led to the Soviet’s refusal of a truce. Dealing with the Hytho Conference, he said the Conference, firstly agreed that the sole purpose of the Allies’ policy was to secure peace on the basis of the independence of ethnographical Poland, and decided to advise Poland to endeavour to negotiate an armistice and peace. So long as the independence of ethnographical Poland was recognised, if the Poles negotiated a peace at the Minsk Conference, the Allies did not propose to upset the arrangements made. A different situation would arnse if the Soviet Government insisted on terms in absolute conflict with the independence of Poland as a. free nation.

Mr Lloyd George pointed out that, unless we abandoned the whole basis of the League of Nations, we could not remain disinterested when the life of a member of the League was jeopardised. The Covenant of the League contemplated economic pressure as a means of assistance, as distinct from a great war and conscription. We were morally bound to support an Allied nation whose national existence was challenged especially where the additional danger arose of a great aggressive Soviet Empire co-terminous with Germany. The Allies would take no action, except for the purpose of securing Poland’s existence and independence. After references to the difficulties with which Poland was faced in her Renaisance and the blunders of her inexperienced statesmanship, the Premier emphasised that the Poles must accept the direction of the people who, after four years' experience in a great war, had made it clear to Poland that the Allies were sending no troops. Further, it would be unnecessary to send any troops if the Polish' resources were thoroughly organised. If the Bolsheviks imposed conditions inconsistent with Poland’s national freedom of existence, the Allies . would put their stores at the Poles’ disposal and help to equip them for their own defence. They would be supplied with the necessary military advice and guidance, and the Allies would exercise economic pressure upon Soviet Russia to release her stranglehold upon the life of Poland.

Mr Ben Tillett (Labour, Salford), interrupting, asked what would be the position of America .

Mr Lloyd George replied that whatever American opinion might be in regard to the League of Nations, he was sure there would be no difference of opinion in their general attitude towards Polish independence. The Premier added that the Government would give General Wrangel substantial support from the large stores at our disposal which hitherto we had not allowed to reach him. This was a point upon which we insisted in the event of the Minsk negotiations breaking down, and if we were compelled to, take steps to cut off Russia from the outside world, there would he an end to any trade negotiations. Deferring to the Labour deputation which visited him this morning, the Prime Minister said he gathered from them that the Government was supposed to be engaged in a reactionary conspiracy to destroy a Democratic Government representing the peasants and workers of Russia. The Premier stated that Bertrand Russell, the Socialist leader who had visited Russia would show

that the govjet Government was neither socialist-, democratic, nor Christian, and that the working classes were In a condition approximating in many respects to slavery ,