The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1921. THE ENTENTE CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 1921. THE ENTENTE CRISIS.

Again the French Government is seriously straining the ties of cohesion on which the existence of the Entente depends, and under which the Supreme Council has its being. Although the present crisis is gradual!}’ being overcome, it stands to reason that every strain on the solidarity of the Entente has a weakening effect. The marvel is that France, whose very existence has been saved by her partners in this alliance, should be the nation to jeopardise her safety by an obstinate policy of independent action that can only be attributed to her intense hatred and mistrust of Germany. This policy is a dangerous menace to the maintenance of peace. The position may be regarded as akin to the Entente being a powderbarrel over which France every now and again recklessly waves a torch, the sparks from which may at any time cause a disastrous explosion < that will utterly wreck the alliance and leave France isolated and at the mercy of her ruthless enemy. The serious and unfriendly-worded Note sent by France to Britain and Italy, in which France persists in her intention to send reinforcements to Silesia, and threatening that unless the other parties to the Entente agree to the passage of French troops to Silesia, she will refuse to attend the meeting of the Supreme Council at which the question is to be considered, is not calculated to promote good will oi’ to further that unity of aim which is so vitally essential to the welfare of France. It is significant that in Britain’s reply to that Note it is stated: “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.” The question concerning Silesia is certainly one that should be decided by the whole Entente in conference, and not by | one party alone. The latter I course would plainly terminate' the Entente’s existence, for its: very name implies concerted, ae- ’

! tion for mutual benefit. Britain’s contention is that the Silesian situation does not warrant reinforcements being sent; certainly not unless after the matter has been fully considered in conference sufficient reasons for such action are forthcoming. Italy practically takes the That France is averse to being over-ruled is evident, though if she could bring forward satisfactory reasons for sending reinforcements she need have no fear of the decision of the Supreme Cpuncil, so it must be assumed that France is not prepared with convincing arguments to support her policy and is endeavoring to bluff her Allies in order to obtain her desire. Naturally, Germany refuses to acknowledge the right of France to ignore the Treaty of Versailles and act independently of the Allies, and such refusal is justified. At the same time she is prepared to abide by the decision of the Supreme Council. This is quite the correct attitude, and if anything could impress on France the error she is now making, it should be this policy of Germany. It is a matter for regret and concern that France should be actuated by such dangerous impulses as those -which tend to undermine her trust in those who have spent blood and treasure in her defence. No special concern need exist over the growing irritation and bitterness exhibited by the French Press, which is notoriously easily moved to hysterical utterances in accord with the Gallic temperament. Were it not for the imperativenecessity of preserving peace, France might be left to extricate herself from the untenable and unenviable position she has taken up, but such a course is utterly unthinkable. Every effort, will be made to avoid the situation getting ofit of hand, but that it is serious cannot be denied. Whether America will or will not take an active interest in settling the deplorable difference of policy that France has initiated remains to be seen. It is to be hoped that France will, by coming to her senses, obviate the necessity for outside mediation. One thing is certain: if the Entente is to exist France must climb down and act in concert with the associated Powers, otherwise she must stand —or fall-alone.