CRISIS IN EUROPE.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1921, Page 5

CRISIS IN EUROPE.

ANGLO-FRENCH DISPUTE. DANGEROUS SITUATION. DIPLOMATIC BLUNDER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 31, 5.5 pan. Paris, July 29. The Anglo-French situation is regarded as critical and dangerous. A section of opinion is clinging desperately to a hope of averting a crisis, but the larger section is openly pessimistic. It is now frankly recognised that France’s precipitancy in demanding a passage of troops through Germany on her own inlitiative was a diplomatic blunder, but France cannot yield regarding reinforcements without losing prestige. This is the greatest stumbling block. The Figaro declares that France will i again demand the passage of troops in | the name of France and not in the name lof ’be Allies. If Germany accepts the i matter will be settled; but if she refuses i France will act on her own. Th 3 Petit Parisien says that rather than yield over the measure France will act on her own responsibility if the need ; arises, and press for unanimous support. ;The Supreme Council will not meet on August 4.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITAIN’S FIGHT FOR PEACE. OPPOSED TO MORE FIGHTING. REASON FOR HESITATION. Received July 31, 5.5 p.m. London. July 30. Mr. Lloyd George, speaking at the unveiling of a war memorial; said: “We have had some differences with France over the ■interpretation of a section of the Peace 'Treaty; we talked very plainly to each | other, and the plain speaking generally led |to a good understanding. It is much i better to have it out and both countries (have done so with excellent results. I 'believe we are now on the high-road to [an understanding. It has been arranged [that the Allies will meet in a fe.v days to [settle this vexed question - I hope, finally. Britain only claims to have a voice in interpreting the peace she made such sacri- | flees to win, and does not claim to predominate. That would be so arrogant [that no self-respecting Ally would possibly tolerate it.

i ‘We fully recognised France’s great sacrifice, and gave her special claim to (consideration. The danger was closer to [her frontiers and more visible to her eyes land her apprehensions were more vivid and 'more poignant than ours. Yet these considerations were apt to deflect calm judgment. The British Empire had only one [concern, and that was that the peace so dearly won should be a real peace. Our [ men did not die that nations should continue to hurl hatred at each other and organise more bloody conflicts than rhose wherein they fell. If Britain seemed always to restrain, counselling moderation, it wac because the war taught her the value of peace. No one could conceive [whi.t the next war might be like, and we must, therefore, Deware lest we bequeathed to cur children a legacy of concentrated bate which one day would explode, leaving the world a wilderness and man a gaunt wanderer among the ruins of the civilisation his folly had destroyed. That was why the British Empire’s power was thrown to-day into the scales of peace.”— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

BRITAIN’S FIRM STAND. FRANCE TO MODIFY PROPOSALS. THE TENSION RELIEVED. Received July 30, 5.5 pm. Paris, July 29. It is understood that the British Note is friendly but firm. It regrets that France is assuming an attitude inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Entente. Britain resents even more keenly the accusat>on that her action has stiffened and encouraged Germany, which is r complete I distortion of the facts. Britain is quite •willing to consider the French ideas about [reinforcing Silesia if propounded at the i proper place, but objects to premature imea~ures incompatible with the alliance and the treaty. She asks for a clear understanding of France’s intention before purlsuing further discussion. Received July 31, 5.5 p.m. London, July 30. The French reply to rhe British Note has greatly relieved the tension. France will modify her proposal regarding the dispatch of troops before the Supreme Council meets. Cabinet meets on Monday to consider a reply.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, THE DESPATCH OF TROOPS. A SETTLEMENT REPORTED. Received July 31, 5.5 p.m. Paris, July 30. It is believed a settlement has been arranged whereby France will not despatch troops before the Supreme Council meets, but will require a joint demand upon Germany for facilities for the transport of troops to Upper Silesia when necessary.— , Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH NOTE TO FRANCE. NO DANGER TO FRENCH TROOPS. London, July 29. It has been ascertained that the Government, replying to France’s Silesian Note, entirely disposes of the charge that Britain, by setting herself against France, is thereby strengthening the attitude of Germany. The Note calls attention to the extraordinary action on the part of France in endeavoring to act independently of the Supreme Council in insisting on the immediate despatch of reinforcements, which is not a possible basis on which to pursue any policy together. It says that no good purpose can be served' by further disjeussion until Great Britain has a clear understanding of France’s intentions. It is declared that the Note was of a friendly character, showing that Britain io anxious to consider any means by which she can meet the French, but it emphasises that no danger threatens French troops in Upper Silesia, hence reinforcements are not urgent.—Reuter.