SUPREME COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1921, Page 3

SUPREME COUNCIL.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRENCH CONVERSATION. LONDON, Aug. 12. % Hon. Lloyd George returns alone. The French Cabinet is considering a new Anglo-Italian proposition. I’m Council is expected to meet on Saturday.

A DEADLOCK. OFFICIAL STATEMENT. LONDON, Aug. 12 Air Lloyd George, M. Briand and Lord Curzon had already unsuccessfully attempted to arrive at an understanding in regard to the Silesian question before the agreement, but the task bad proved hopeless. Following on some sensational rumours, crediting the British delegation with the intention of packing up their bag and baggage, and returning to London. Mr Lloyd George and Al. Briand bad a further interview in the evening, after which the lolloping semi-official communique was issued: The experts have reported regarding Upper Silesia. The report has been discussed-by the Allied representatives. Certain differences of opinion exist between Britain and Italy on the one hand, and France on the other. Ihe proposals of the British and Italians are now being considered by the Frencli Government. The Trench Cabinet meets on Friday, prior to which Mi Lloyd George again interviews M Briand before returning to London. Lord Curzon remains to act on Al Lloyd George’s behalf at the Imperial Council’s remaining session. THE" RUPTURE. BRIAND INTERVIEWED. LONDON. Aug. 12 Interviewed, M Briand said Llo>d George's departure should not be interpreted as a breach of the Entente, Untflie frankly admitted that between France and Britain there were serious differences of opinion on which be was compelled to consult his Cabinet. He recognised the urgency of the Irish problem, as necessitating Mr Lloyd George’s return. He concluded : —“I •iin still hopeful—am always hopeful to t!ie last minute —that we shall reach an agreement.” The “Daily Express” Paris correspondent states:—“The rupture was caused by a clause in the British expert’s report that certain C mummies in Silesia were inseparably united, which upsets the French pnrfition scheme. The’ entire question lias been referred back to the experts. It is hoped the Imperial Council will bn si new proposition warranting a icsumption on Saturday. THE FALLING OUT. PARIS, Aug. 12. The. changed outlook at the Supreme Council was arrived at with inns: dramatic suddenness on Thursday night. The experts worked late the previous night, attempting to present :m acceptable compromise regarding Upper Silesia in readiness for the Council’s morning session. Air Lloyd George, Lord Curzon and the- French delegation met at breakfast on Thursday, and dis-' cussed the situation. It was immediately obvious M. Briand became immediately more insistent than previously, appealing strenuously for the adoption of a French viewpoint. Mr Lloyd George was adamant, and declared* it necessary to await the expert’s report, though he firmly opposed further procrastination. An immediate solution ivas necessary in everyone’s interest. After two hours’ discussion Mr Llovd George peremptorily declined to make siny concession. ANGLO-FRENCH SPLIT. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.in.) PARIS, Aug. 12 Newspapers unanimously approve ol France’s attitude and declare if a disagreement on Upper Silesia continues, it won’t he France’s fault.' The "Pc' Journal” points out that M. Briand liasinformed a British delegation that, the last possible concession was Sforza s frontier line. France lias a right to demand proof of England’s friendship. England’s line gives Germany all the industrial triangle while the concession t f) Poland is exclusively agricultural land.