SILESIA TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1921, Page 2

SILESIA TROUBLE

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. DETERMINED FRENCH POLICY. PARIS, May 16. “Le Matin” adopting unusual language, declares that Lloyd George, owing to Glemenceau making concessions is continuing his had habit formed- at the Peace Conference, apparently believing that he can continue to dictate the laws of Europe. “Le Matin” adds: “Lloyd George forgets that France is Germany’s largest creditor, and lias a right to be paid. The French Army is ready to support France’s word, whereas Britain is only represented ill Europe by Mr Lloyd George’s speech. But Germany- has no misapprehension. Prince Sapicha, prior to his departure for Warsaw, interviewed M. Briand ,who repeated Ms assurance, that in no circumstances would the German army he permitted to invade Poland.” ANGLO-FRENCH RUPTURE. LONDON, May 16 The “Daily Express” Paris correspondent says: Anglo-French relations are now worse than ever they have been since the black days of the Fa-shoda incident. The correspondent adds that he lias no wish to make sensational statements, but lie knows that M. Briand (French Premier) when addressing journalists, had in mind a war with Germany. M. Briand meant that tlie French troops would occupy the Ruhr district and their fleet would blockade Antwerp and other cities mentioned at the London Conference. He adds that French money has been spent in Poland for the purpose of making her a military Power and. a strong ally on the German eastern frontier.

CRISIS FEARED. REPORTS FROM CAPITALS, LONDON, May 16 The “Times” says that unless good feeling and judgment are restored, the differences between* London and Paris may develop into a crisis profoundly affecting the Anglo-French relations,, and also the application .of the Versailles Treaty. Italy, it says, warmly supports Lloyd George in his want of sympathy with the Poles’ Silesian insurrection, and feels bitter about Italians being killed in the disturbances. Italian feeling has been swinging strongly against Britain, but-on this occasion it fully supports her. Belgium, it is stated, sides with Lloyd George’s speech. The “Times” Berlin correspondent says that while applauding Lloyd George’s speech, German opinion shows an underlying bitterness. The newspapers declare it is the Allies’ task to restore. It would be unfair to ask Germany to disarm and at the same time to go to war with Poland.

The “Times” Paris correspondent says: A large section of French opinion welcomes the Silesian dispute as an excuse for an advocate by the armies waiting at Rhine bridgeheads.

FRENCH VIEWS. LONDON, May 16 The “Echo de Paris” asks Lloyd George: “Where are the sixty thousand soldiers required to deal with Korfantz to come from?” It adds: “France will not permit Germany to move, and Britain cannot send troops.” The “Times” AVashington correspondent says: American opinion leans strongly to Lloyd George, as it is considered that France has -encouraged Korfantz, being determined to have a strong Poland to keep Germany down. The United States Administration, however, is not taking any part in the dispute. POLAND’S ATTITUDE. LONDON, Alay 16. A “Daily Chronicle” correspondent interviewed Korfantz in Silesia, who claimed that he has created order. Now it is for the Allies to give their decision Asked what would happen if the Allies refused to give Poland all the territory east *f the river Oder, Korfantz declared it would mean an insurrection. If that proposal became a decision, lie would pack his bags and go away. His role would then be over. The responsibility rested with the Allies, but he could say that the Polish people would never again submit to German rule. If that was the decision of the Supreme Council there would be absolute anarchy in Silesia. Korfantz added: “I don’t understand the English attitude. We have always tried to establish friendly relations with you, but you seem to look upon the Poles as something less than niggers.”

POLISH AIISSION TO AAIERICA. PARIS, Alay 16 . It is reported the Polish Government has asked AI. Paderewski to undertake a . . . . propaganda mission in America to explain the Polish viewpoint regarding Silesia