AS ACUTE POSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1921, Page 2

AS ACUTE POSITION

FRANCO-BRITISH DIFFERENCE. OVER POLISH QUESTION. UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS. LONDON, May 15. Franeo;Rritish differences have reached an acute stage. Feeling on both sides of the Channel is strong. There ; - a distinct difference of policy towards Poland. It is now ' recognised that the Inter-Allied Commissioners in Silesia cannot settle the boundaries. The best diplomatists in each country are now being summoned to the Supreme Council, in an effort to ‘adjust matters. British opinion credits Krance with a secret alliance with Ivorfantv. This is strengthened by the action of Frenoh troops, who comprise the main part of the Allied force in Silesia, • M. Briand’s statement that France is prepared to take the field alongside of* Poland, if Germany attacks her, confirms this view. There is an outbreak against England in the Frenoh press. The “Matin” in a leader attacks and assails Hon Lloyd George’s Germanophilism. Lord Derby speaking at Oxford, defined the underlying difference, and said France as a whole was not militarist, hut throughout France the people remembered the German hordes which twice ran over the industrial provinces. Whilst commercial England wished Germany to get on her legs, and meet her obligations, France wished to preven her ever getting there. The “Times” appeals to the AngloFrench press and public to avoid invective and not to import passion into the discussion of this exceedingly important and delicate subject. Italian press support* Hon Lloyd George.

FRANCE’S VIEWS. vßeceived This Day at 9.45 a.m.) PARIS, May 14. M Briand, interviewed, said he was not surprised to notice the appreciable difference in French and British viewpoints. Each Government was inspired with the views of its representative in Upper Silesia, It would be better to leave the Allied representatives their time to settle the problem, devming a division between Germany and Poland. The present trouble was due to uncertainty resulting through these representatives presenting reports separately. If the Germans were encouraged to intervene with force in Upper Silesia, the position would assume great gravity. France asks that the stipulations of the Versailles Treaty be applied in accordance with the result of the plebiscite.

FRENCH FEELING. OVER BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) PARIS, May 14. Owing to French sympathy with Polish ambitions, the newspapers are angry with Hon. Lloyd George’s speech in the Commons, condemning Poland’s policy in Silenia, especially the suggestion that Germany be allowed to employ troops against Polish insurgents. Some newspapers suggest that Lloyd George’s secretary authorised Dabernon (German ambassador) to inform the German Government that Britain, will support German claims in Silesia.

AN INTERVIEW. PARIS, May 14. The editor of the New York “Herald” has published an interview with Herr Wirth at Berlin. He stated there can be no peace until the fires of the Polish war camps are extinguished. All other problems, even reparations, are dependent on the German people being given their rights under the plebiscite in Silesia, i