NATIONS DISAGREE.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 July 1921, Page 5

NATIONS DISAGREE.

BRITAIN AND FRANCE.

A GRAVE SITUATION POLICY IN SILESIA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. Received July 29, 8.5 p.m. London, July 29. The Daily Chronicle states that a seri>Us and unfriendly-worded Note has been received from France regarding Silesia. France persists in her intention to send troops, irrespective of British and Italian opinions, and declares that unless Britain and Italy agree to the passage of troops now France is not prepared to attend the Supreme Council meeting next week. The Note adds that if Britain persists in her attitude it must lead to a serious AngloFrench disagreement. The British reply points out that the French Note produces a grave situation, more seripus because it was received while representatives of the Dominions, who fought for French freedom, have been able to consider the whole question. The British Government adh ’rs to the position that as the Supreme Council meeting is being held on August 4 obviously the right course is to discuss Silesia then. Britain cannot, therefore, agree to the dispatch of reinforcements before the meeting. If delay has occurred the fault lies with the French Government, because Britain and Italy have been pressing for a meeting of the Council for many weeks. The reply adds: ‘The Entente gave victory to the Allies, and Britain cannot seriously envisage its being broken. The only way is to discuss the entire question in all its bearings next week.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE FEELING IN FRANCE. BITTERNESS AND DISTRUST. GERMANY HOPES FOR BREACH. Received July 29, 10.55 p.m. Paris, July 29. Though the French Press has kept its temper fairly well in the Entente crisis, signr of irritation are growing daily, and already bitterness and distrust, which it will take months to disperse, have arisen. The postponement of the Supreme Council meeting could not fail to have the effect of aggravating the possibilities even to breaking point of the present tension. The French Note to Britain insisted that if she did not support France in sending troops io Upper Silesia before the meeting of the Supreme Council there could be no meeting of the Council. F rance regards Britain’s acceptance of the French attitude as a necessary rebuff to the arrogant German Note, which clearly aims to create a breach in the Entente. French feeling has been sensitive on the reinforcement question for sot e time, and many doubts are expressed to the wholehearted loyalty of Britain. The Times correspondent adds that it may be asserted that the touchstone of the solidarity of the alliance is to be found in the question of reinforcements. —Times Service.

GERMANY’S ATTITUDE. BREACH OF TREATY CLAIMED. Received July 29. 7.45 p.m. London, July 28. It is authoritatively explained in London that Germany is entitled under the Treaty of Versailles to refuse the French request for the transport. of troops, but is willing to submit to what she considers a breach of treaty by the three Powers collectively.—Reuter Service. REINFORCEMENT QUESTION. SUGGESTION OF COMPROMISE. London, July 28. It is understood that, as the result of a Cabinet meeting to-day, Lord Cureon will reply to the French Note reaffirming Britain’s contention (.hat the Silesian situation does not warrant reinforcements being ent until the Supreme Council has considered the matter. It is believed the American Ambassadors in London. Paris and Rome are seized with the seriousness of the impasse and fear it may lead to another Central European conflict. They are in close communication with the President with a view to mediation. Mr. Harvey, Ambassador in London, was expected to attend the Supreme Council in an unofficial capacity, but it is now hinted that he way, under the circumstances, attend the meeting with more than a watching brief. Paris, July 28. Responsibility for the energetic Note to Germany with reference to Silesia rests upon M. Berthelot, but it is not likely M. Briand w.ll reverse the policy of his chief assistant, realising that France will loee prestige if she gives way. M. M’llerand will preside at the Council to consider the situation to-morrow. Meanwhile forces are working flor a compromise between France and Britain.

Berlin, July 28. Herr Rosen, replying to the French Ambassador’s inquiry regarding the transport of troops, says the German Government has no intention of dealing with the question exclusively from & legal viewpoint. Meanwhile, learning that the Supreme Council meets in a few days, the Government desire* to state that they will unhesitatingly acknowledge the council’s decision.