GRAVE DEVELOPMENT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 271, 10 August 1920, Page 5

GRAVE DEVELOPMENT

IN BOLSHEVIK-POLISH

SITUATION

TRUCE PROPOSAL ARROGANTLY

REJECTED

MINSK NEGOTIATIONS TO BE

RESUMED

By ToloKraph-Preos Ajsoolfttion-Copyrlirht London, August 8.

Tho Central Nows Agency staUs that the Russians liavo not agreed to tho ten days' truco proposal.

Tho Exchango Agency confirms the reported unwillingness of iho Bolsheviks to accept Iho British proposals, and foreshadows a blockado unless they ore accepted within forty-night hours.

The following official statements have been issued:—

Russia's reply to tho British request for a truco slates that tho Soviet is resuming on Wednesday night direct negotiations with Poland for (in nrmistico and pence, and blames Poland for tho lcaijr delay. The Soviet delegation in London announces having informed the British Government last week that Russia undertakes to begin the withdrawal of troops to the lino iixed by tho Allied SuDremo Council immediately after Poland's acceptance of tho nrmistico terms, which deal principally with tho reduction of tho armed strength of Poland. The Soviet also undertakes to considerably reduce the Soviet troops holding this line, provided tho Allies, particularly France, undertake not to support any advance against Russia on any front, and arrange for tho withdrawal of Wrangel's army in tho Crimea. .The Soviet Note, which the Allied Conference at Lvmpne is considering, states that Poland's belated decision to resumethe negotiations for the armistice and peace preliminaries broken oft' at BaTanovilchi readied Moscow half an hour before the British requost for-a truco. I'ho Soviet Government immediately replied, arranging to moot tho armistice delegations at-Minsk on Wednesday. TJie Nolo adds that the Soviet Government be loves that tho British Government will acknowledge that cessation of hostilities and the full independence of Poland, at which tho British Government aims, will 'be attained in the speediest and simplest way by tho direct negotiations being resumed at Minsk.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.

POLISH NOTE HINDERED. Warsaw, August 7. It is officially alleged that the Moscow wireless station has twice declined to receive the latest Polish Note on the pretext, first of an alteration in the hours for the reception of messages, and second of atmospheric disturbances, which the Poles stato did not exist.-Aiis.-N.SS. Cable Assn.

ALLIED CONFERENCE AT HYTHE

OUTLOOK CONSIDERED GLOOMY,

London, August 8. Mr. Lloyd George, in high spirits, welcomed M. Millerand and Marshal Foch at Ilythe. The Mayor's daughter, following a Trench custom, presouled each visitor as he landed with a bouquet of carnations. Lord Curzon, Lord Beattv, and tlio Mayors of Folkestone and Hvthc wero present, and a nugo crowd acclaimed the visitors as.they proceeded to Lympno Castle for the conferTlio Conference resumes on- Monday. Tlio outlook is considered gloomy. Labour demonstrations wero made at Newcastle and Glasgow against tlio war in Russia. ,„. ,■ ■■, _ . Labour demonstrations .throughout Britain passed resolutions threatening to cca*e work on the railways, in the coalmines, tho shipbuilding trades, trans-, port, and manufacture of munitions if war is declared on Russia,—Aus.-N.£. Cable Assn. , Geneva, August 8. Signor Giolitti will shortly confer with Mr. Lloyd George in Switzerland on the Russo-Polish question.-Aus.-N.7i. t CaWo Assn. REDS' SINISTER INTENTIONS ALLIES SEEK ADVTCE OP MILITARY LEADERS. (Rec. August 9, 10.45 p.m.) London, August 8. "The Times" Hythe correspondent says the situation is extremely grave The Bolsheviks' arrogant refusal is taken to mean that they intend to cap'-uro Warsaw and establish a puppet P° lish s ° v r let > with which to make whatever terms Moscow desires. In consequence of the unfavourable reply and attitude of the Bolsheviks the Conference adjourned, after referring the matter to tho naval and military advisers. The Conference will meet in the morning to receive their reply, and decide-on the action to be taken. As a result of the grave developments. M. Millerand has postponed his departure to Prance. Meanwhile conversations continue. Members of the Conference have no doubt that the Bolsheviks intend to push forward and carry out the above-mentioned plans,— "Tho Times."

UNITED STATES POLICY

ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED,

Washington, August 8. It is expected that au announcement outlining the policy of the United States regarding Poland and Russia will shortly be issued. It is believed that the United States will look askance upon any decision by tho conference of M. Millerand and Mr. Lloyd George to make war on the Soviet within Hie boundaries of linssia. The United States, however,, will sympathise with a decision to givo aid to Poland. The American Government feels that opposition will develop hero should an attempt be made to have the United States participate in a European war. Official circles point out that any movement for injury to the integrity of BusBin, would not receive support in tlie United States, and the British recognition of Esthonia is thereforo considered a mistake.—A.US.-N.Z. Cable Assd.

EE-ESTABLISHMENT OP UNITED EUSSIA SOUGHT. (Em. August 9, 7.15 p.m.) Washington, August 8. A declaration in regard to American policy respecting Russia and Poland la expected ahortiy. It is understood that President Wilson will declare that tlio Bolsheviks will not lie recognised in any circumstances. Tlio Government seeks the re-establishment-of a muted Russia, nnd is anxious to impress the Russian people with the friendliness of the United States. The British trade, agreement with Bsthonia is not recognised, as tie United States Government opposes the dividing of Russia into separato entities. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OUTER FORTS oTwABSAW SHELLED GOVERNMENT REMOVED TO ■ CRACOW. Berlin, August 8. Tlio Polish Government has arrived at Cracow. Tlio Russians have been shelling the outer forts north of Warsaw smco Inday, and the Polish batteries have been returning the fire.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POLISH COUNTER-MOVE GAINING GROUND. London, August 7. A Polish eonrrmuiiquo suggests that the Polish counter-move in the neighbourhood" of Drobiczyu. continues to gain ground, and lias succeeded in driving tlio enemy who had crossed the River Bug back to tho north bank. Thero was particularly fierce figghling on the River Scroll!], and the Bolschovik attacks were repulsed. Tho Ukrainian detachments also successfully continue their oounter-

town of Brody was completely Backed b.V tho Bolshoviks.-Aus. N.Z. Cable Assn. RED ADVANCE ON WARSAW STOPPED Warsaw, August 8. A communique dated August 7 states: flic Bolshevik advance in tho direction of Warsaw, Grodno, awl Bialy, lias stopped.—Renter. SOVIET WILL OCCUPY WARSAW UNLESS POLES ACCEPT ALL ' CONDITIONS. Vienna, August 8. During tho Lithuanian-Bolshevik negotiations at Riga, 51. Jofl'e disclosed that Uio So Wot was determined to occupy Warsaw unless the Poles accepted all their conditions, including complete demobilisation of tho army—"Tlio Times." BRITISH LABOUR~AnFtHE BLOCKADE THREAT OP GENERAL STRIKE. (Rec. August 0, 7.15 p.m.; _, London, August !). There will ho a conference of all the Labour executives to-night to consider tho attitude to be adopted towards Russia. A general strike is threatened if Britain reinstates the blockade against Russia.—Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn. GERMAN-POLISIfRELATIONS STRAINED TRANSPORT OF FOOD TO DANZIG STOPPED. London, August 7. Relations between tho Germans and the Poles in Danzig are becoming more strained. Following on the decision of tho German workmen not ro disehargo vessels bringing munitions for Poland, the Pcles in Pomorania, including tho railwaymen, have now ceased to transport food supplies to Danzig from Poland, The stoppage is complete, and it is feared that it will lead to the suspension of industries and an economic crisis.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMANS REJOICING OVER COLLAPSE~OF POLISH STATE. Berlin, August 8. The Germans are rejoicing over tho collapse of the "miserable artificial Polish State," and the unanimous determination to observe strict neutrality and to prevent tho Allies sending aid through Gorman territory to prevent tho downfall of tho jerry-built State. The German Government considers that Tchitcherin has acted correctly throughout, and that his policy is superior to that of the Entente's Statesman.—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.