SILESIA TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1921, Page 2

SILESIA TROUBLE

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. KEEPING HER HANDS OFF. WASHINGTON, May 18. Government has received a .Polish Appeal for support over the Upper Silesian situation. It is officially stated it will decide not to interfere regarding the Silesian position which is essentially a European one.

FRENCH PRESS SATISFIED. reuter’s telegramsPARIS, May 18. The tone of the French press in the Upper Silesian controversy is more man ifest to-day, which it is accentuated by the satisfaction as to Germany’s payment of reparations which is welcomed as the first evidence of Germany’s good faith since the armistice. The correctness of Germany’s attitude in not seeking to profit by the Anglo-French differences is rcognised. The papers even declare the incident j may lie regarded as closed, stating the misunderstanding between Briand and Hon Lloyd George has been largely removed as a result of the telephone communications between Paris and London. PLAIN SPEAKING. „ * “ THE TIMES ” SERVICE LONDON, May 18. Korfantv stated that tlie Poles would destroy every factory rather than bow to the yoke of the German capitalists. He warned Hon Lloyd George not to use his power to oppress a people fighting for freedom. THE SILESIAN QUESTION. BRITISH PREMIER’S SPEECH. LONDON, May 19. Mr Lloyd George, in reply to the French criticism over his speech on Silesia, said: "The world’s course ;n coming years cannot lie forecasted. Timists ahead are unusually dense. Much will depend upon the Allies -holding together. Apart from Treaty obligations, unforeseen events must determine the future groups of.nations. The fut.i e of the world, especially Europe will be determined by old or new friendship. Hence the Treaty of Versailles is n document of infinite moment, especially to tile Entente nations binding us together, when there is so much to divide ", Those who treat its provisions as if they were the sport of passion ><r prejudice may not have to live long t„ regret their hot-headness. The Bn tish people will shirk no part of thenresponsibilities under the Treaty. There ~re temporary difficulties which make <1 difficult to spare troops, but I confidently anticipate there will be over soon and I would call attention to he fact that at the recent conference we intimated our readiness, if Germainrefused the Allied terms, to place the British fleet at the disposal of the A 1 hes.” Mr Lloyd George declared: ‘The British Government was anxious to have the division of Upper Silesia settled at the London Conference All til' facts regarding the plebiscite wue known but our Allies were not read v to proceed with a discussion. We will abide faithfully by the decision of the majority of powers who have voices under the Treaty in defining Sdesfc " boundaries whatever their verdict. W fully accept the plebiscite as an expre?sion of the wishes of the people of Sl- - but, having entered a great war and sustained gigantic losses in defence of the old Treaty to which this count -y was a party, Britain c annot consent to stand by while the Treaty, which her representative!! signed less than two years ago, is trampled upon.”.

FRENCH ATTITUDE. PARIS, May 18 The Polish Minister has informed the Ambassador council that his Govern ment absolutely disavows the Silesian insurrection. It took all measures to prevent communication between Poland and the plebiscite territories, and is exercising its influence to restore calm. The Polish Government thinks it desirable that Germany should observe a similar attitude, the troubles being clue to the German statesmen. ITALY’S LITTLE BILL TO POLAND. ROME, May 18. Italy is now demanding from Poland seven million lire as compensation for the' loss of soldiers killed in recent Silesian lighting. AMERICA AND SILESIA. WASHINGTON, May 18. Mr Hughes lias Informed Prince Lubomirski, the Polish Ambassador that the United States is not concerned in the Upper Silesian question. THE POLES MOVING. BERLIN, May 19. Messages from Danzig report that large movements of Polish troops are going to Danzig. The Poles blown up a number of bridges over the Vistura, and have occupied the strategical points.

CALM AFTER THE STORM. fßeceived This Day at 9.45 n.m.l PARIS May 19. The French press comments on Mr Lloyd George’s statement are quieter even than might he expected, but the general view is that the statement is no more satisfactory than last week s speech. The “Echo de Paris” says it is even more displeasing. The “Petit Parisian” states Mr Lloyd George has deeply wounded the French sentiment.

The “Matin” says his threats of forming new friendships should he explained” for if it means friendship with Germany, we believe the British people will refuse to follow him. Me do not hold the British responsible for the Prime Minister’s vagaries. We perfer Britain to Mr Lloyd George. The Gnulois says the French and British have something better to do than quarrel. They must settle the Silesian question In a spirit of friendship

CABLE NEWS.