UPPER SILESIA

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17224, 15 August 1921, Page 7

UPPER SILESIA

; PROBLEM OF DIVISION. REFERRED TO J.EAGUE OF / ' v NATIONS. SUPREME COUNCIL'S DECISION. (By CaMe—Press Anaocistion-Cojmi.-hU (AustraJwn and K.Z. C'Wo Association.) PARIS, August 12. The newspapers unanimously approve ! of France's attitude, and declare that if the disagreement over Upper Silesia continues, it will not be France's fault. •Tho "Petit Journal'' points otit'that M. Briand informed the British delegation that the last possible concession .was Count Sforza's frontier line. France had a right to domand proof of England's friendship. England's line would give Germany all the industrial triangle, while the concession to Poland was exclusively agricultural land. Cabinet, under M. Milleraad's presidency, assembled prior to the meeting of the Supreme Council, and unanimously approved of M. Briand's attitude. AVhen the Council met later, a communique was issued, after a brief sitting, stating that, as Great Britain, Italy, and Japan were opposed to the French proposals, all had • agreed to refer the problem to the League of Nations. It is unofficially ■ reported that M. Briand suggested that tho question be referred to America. Mr Lloyd George proposed its reference to the League of Nations. The vote was unanimous. Tho Council decided that a commission of three should return to Oppeln. It was als 0 decided to appeal to Germany and Poland to preserve order. Mr Lloyd George's last words as ho was leaving for London were: —"1 knew well that everything would be all right." • M. Briand smilingly replied*: "How could it bo otherwise?" Mr Lloyd George said, with . reference to the League of Nations, that there was no disagreement between Great Britain and France, or reflection on the French Government or its experts. It was important to say that Japan and Italy took the same line as Great Britain. Tho difficulties were not due to the problem itself,-but to the excited state of public opinion. Therefore, it was right to seek another tribunal. Although a majority of the Council/took one view, France alone taking the other. Great Britain would accept the League's decision without demur, and, if necessary, strengthen the Allied forces in Silesia. Great Britain would make a contribution on the same scale as any other Power. . .M. Briand said France would accept the decision without demur, and sug- ■ gested that jurists should draft the reference to the League of Nations. Signor Bonomi stated that Italy was willing t 0 send reinforcements pending 1 the League's decision. (Received August 14th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 12. Under tho terms of the Treaty of ■ Versailles the. fixation of frontiers rests with *« Allies. In order not to injure the working of the Treaty, the Supreme i Council's resolution relating to Upper Silesia expressly makes it clear that the Council iB only inviting the League of Nations to make recommendations. There is no question of the League acting as arbitrator, the final decision remaining with the Supremo Council. i Britain, France, and Italy have agreed to reinforce the troops in Silesia. (Received August 14th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 13". Cabinet heard M. Briand in regard to remitting the%ilesian problem to the League of Nations, and approved his action in tho matter. PARIS PRESS COMMENT. (Received August 14th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 12. The "Liberte*" says the Supreme Council's decision means avoiding trouble, but it iB not a settlement of the thorniest international question. The "Temps", says one.could understand the reference to the subject to arbitration by the United States, but not to uoe League of Nations, to which America does not belong. • ATTITUDE OF GERMANY. (Beceived August 14th, 5.6 p.m.) BERLIN, August 13. The Supreme Council's compromise has oaused excitement. as' an indication of the success of the French policy of procrastination. It is stated that Germany will demand the sending of Allied reinforcements in order to prevent a Polish insurgent outbreak.