FEAR OF WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1921, Page 5

FEAR OF WAR.

GERMANS AND POLES.

THE CRISIS OVER SILESIA.

BRITAIN’S CASE STATED.

By Telecrapb.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received May 18, 8.40 p.m. London, May 17.

The Warsaw correspondent of the Times reports the mobilisation of the German civilian force continues. There are large numbers in the streets of Resenburg, Ratibor and Oppeln, wearing a badge depicting a eword aimed at a fiveheaded hydra, supposed to represent the Entente.

If civil war starts it is practically certain that German and Polish regulars will be drawn in, precipitating a German-Polish war. There is evidence that German agents are active in Warsaw spreading the belief that Germany will not fight in order to lure on the Poles and thereby give Germany a pretext for action.

It is authoritatively stated that the attitude of the British Government towards the Polish insurrection is a determination to insist upon fair play, both for Germany and Poland. Britain intends loyally to carry out her engagements, and expects in return that both parties will respect the Treaty of Versailles. It is pointed out that the attitude of the German Government has been perfectly correct. It is in no way connected with the German bands entering Upper Silesia and fighting the Poles; on the contrary, the dilatoriness of the Polish Government in failing to close the frontier is regarded as unsatisfactory. Conversations between the French and British Premiers have been dropped. It is considered desirable that Italy, in view of the part played by her troops in combatting the insurrection, should have an opportunity to express her views.

The latest telegrams show there has not been much fighting in Silesia lately. Some conflicts occurred between Poles and German bands, out they were not of a serious nature.—Times and Reuter Services.

A BRIGHTER ASPECT.

HINT OF ON UNDERSTANDING,

Received May 18, 8.40 p.m.

Paris, May 17>

The newspapers have somewhat recovered from the shock of Mr. Lloyd George’s speech, and to-day display a certain anxiety to minimise the aspects of the French action in regard to Silesia th:jt seem to indicate a Franco-Pol-ish understanding. They deny that General Heroud, the French Commissioner, signed an armistice with Korfanty recognising his status quo, and declare the armistice was really 'submission on the part of Korfanty.—Reuter Service.

MEETING OF PREMIERS.

PROBABLY NEXT WEEK.

Received May 19, 1.30 a.m.

Paris, May 18. It appears unlikely that M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George will meet this week-end. The debate in the Chamber on the London conference is expected to be continued on Saturday and Monday, and a conference will probably be held next week.

The Temps, in an article criticising Mr. Lloyd George, says the truth is that these conferences have become unpopular in France. It is quite idle for any conference to give a decision regarding Silesia until England has sent sufficient troops to assure the maintenance of order and the execution of what is desired, i —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SUPREME COUNCIL TO MEET.

London, May 17.

The Supreme Council has been summoned for the week-end to discuss the Silesian question. The French are anxious that the problem should be dealt with without delay. Belgium and Italy have notified their desire for a conference.