PROBLEMS IN EUROPE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1921, Page 5

PROBLEMS IN EUROPE.

THE PREMIER’S REVIEW. DIVISION OF SILESIA. THE TRAGEDY OF RUSSIA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, August 16. Mr. Lloyd George’s statement in the House of Commons on the work of the Supreme Council conveyed little new ini' t mation. He said that on the basis oi population, and on the principle of one man one vote, the disputed area of Silesia should go to Germany. British and Italian experts agreed in that view. The French took another view. It was clear unanimity was impossible and the problem was therefore referred to the League of Nations for arbitrament. All were pledged to accept its decision. Owing to the delay it might be necessary to send reinforcements to prevent a repetition of disturbances threatening the peace of Europe. Another question discussed was the sanctions under the treaty. There was a general feeling that the time had come for a gradual reduction of the military burdens imposed on Germany. At the conclusion of the meeting the spirit of the Alliance was as strong as ever. Me quite understood the nervousness of France. Her first real security was the disarmament of Germany, but it was impossible for any country to manufacture large supplies of armaments secretly. The fact was bound to come out before it became a menace to the Allies.

In the dilemma over Asia Minor there were only two alternatives: (1) To compel the Turks and Greeks to agree, which was impracticable; (2) to leave them to fight it out. He hoped, however, that in the event of a Greek victory Greek statesmanship would not commit the unpardonable error of carrying victory too far.

Referring to the Russian famine, Mr. Lloyd George said it was difficult to get accurate information, but the news pointed to it being the most appalling catastrophe which had visited the world for centuries. They must, however, b\-e complete guarantees that relief would reach the sufferers. If anyone wanted to know what the war meant the Supreme Council’s meeting would have taught them that the Washington Conference did not come an hour too soon.

Mr. H. H. Asquith (Liberal leader) regarded the statement as the most satisfactory since the armistice. He was glad to think that the civilised nations would collectively, and he hoped unanimously, enter upon a policy of disarmament. He agreed there was nothing to do but to the Turks and Greeks to fight it out, although it was a scan-’ dal to civilisation. He thought the Silesian problem might have been relegated to the League of Nations sooner and with better general effect.