EUROPE'S LIBERTY

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1920, Page 5

EUROPE'S LIBERTY

THREAT OF THE SOVIET. j BASK OP POLISH PEACE. INFLUENCE OF THE ALT,TP.fi B» TeleEMPh.—Press Assn.--Copyright. Received August 11, 8.50 p.m. London, August 10. In the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George made a statement before a crowded House fn regard to the Polish situation. Krastfin and Kamenoff were present in the strangers' gallery. Mr. Lloyd George expressed himself as still hofjeful of peace, but in view of the House rising at the end of the week he proposed to indicate the Government's intentions in certain contingencies. Re-stating the position, he repeated the opinion that the Polish attack was unjustified. He considered that the Soviet Government was entitled to take Into account in the peace conditions that the Poles not only attacked Russia, but did go despite Anglo-French warnings. The Soviet was entitled to demand guarantees against the repetition of similar attacks, but nothihg 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. The repartition of Poland was not only a crime, but a peril, and these contingencies must be considered as the basis of our policy. , ' INDEPENDENCE OF POLAND.

The Premier then summarised the events which led to the Soviet's refusal of a truce. Dealing with the Hythe conference, he said the conference firstly agreed that the sole purpose of the Allied policy was to secure peace on a basis. of the independence of ethnographical Poland, and they decided to advise Poland to endeavor to negotiate an armistice and peace so long as the independence of ethnographical Poland was recognised. If the Poleß negotiated peace at the Minsk conference the 'Allies did not propose to upset the arrangements, but a different situation would arise if the Soviet 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 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 an additional danger arises of a great aggressive Soviet Empire, co-terminal with Germany. The Allies will take lio action except for the purpose of securing Poland's existence and independence. ALLIES' EXPERIENCE.

After references to the difficulties With which Poland was faced in her renaissance, and Of the blunders of inexperienced statesmanship, the Premier emphasised that the Poles must accept.the direction of 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 was unnecessary to send any if the Polish resources were thoroughly organised. If" the Bolsheviks imposed conditions inconsistent with national freedom and existence, the Allies will put their stores at the Poles' disposal, and help to equip them for their own defence. The Allies would also supply the necessary military advice and guidance, and they would exercise economic pressure upon Soviet Russia to release her stranglehold on the life of Poland. Mr. Ben Tillett, interrupting, asked what would be the position of America. Mr. Lloyd George replied that, whatever the opinion of America might be in regard to tjie League of Nations, he was sure there would be no difference of opinion in their attitude towards Polish independence. BOLSHEVISM REVEALED. 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 on 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 be an end to any trade negotiations.

Referring to the Labor deputations which Visited him t-hTs 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 peasants and workers. The Premier stated that Mr. Bertand Russel, the Socialist leader, who visited Russia, would show that the Soviet Government was neither Socialist, Democratic, nor Christian, and that the working .classes were in a condition approximating in many respects to slavery.

Mr. Lloyd George Concluded by saying that tlie Bolshevik Government, if wants peace, can get it. "If you have a real desire for peace," he said, "you can "get it. If you are out to challenge the basis on which the liberties of Europe depend, you will fail."— Reuter Service.

THE TERMS TO' POLAND. OUTLINED BY THE PREMIER. POLISH-RUiSSO NEGOTIATIONS. Received August 12, 12.30 a.m. London, August 10. Mr. Asquith said he regretted that the Premier's speech had not contributed to the removal of the difficulties of maintaining peace. The House should have an opportunity, before Britain took any Warlike steps, of reviewing the whole situation. Mr. Lloyd George, replying, said he hRd just Teceived from M. Kameneff the terms of the armistice peace preliminaries, which were submitted at Minsk by the Rusisans, although Kameneff added that these terms might be supplemented. But the details were of secondary moment. The following are the terms: — Firstly.—The strength of the Polish armies must be reduced to one annual contingent up to 50,000 men, and commands and administration to aggregate ten thousand men. Secondly.—Demobilisation is to take place within one month. Thirdly.—All arms over such as may , f«| tiif a wis «| thejte-