A PROBLEM FULL OF MENACE

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 35, 10 August 1921, Page 5

A PROBLEM FULL OF MENACE

SUGGESTED BASIS FOR SETTLE- .\. MENT.- '„ .;

(Received August 10, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, 9th August. General Allen, the American Commandant on the Rhine, attended the Supreme Council, when the various Allied military experts unfolded their views on the qeustion of security of the troops in Silesia, after which Mr. Lloyd George explained his views on the problem generally, declaring it the most menacing ever.- placed before the Council. Britain and Italy held similar views, but France differed. Whilst wishing to accommodate the existing differences, he ' was convinced a settlement must not be made at the expense of,a majority of the population ■ and the Powers concerned. Any attempt on the basis of the plebiscite vote to manoeuvre German population out of Silesia would recoil upon its authors, and Britain- would never sup-: port such a settlement.- •- Mr. Lloyd George suggested that fresh . instructions should be given the experts to discuss *ne matter on the following lines:—Firstly, one vote one value, as he j was not prepared to accept the-argument! that the -peasant vote should outweigh the artisan vote; secondly, that the in. dustrial area, which was German by two to one, should go-to Germany; thirdly, that contiguous areas should be analysed to show which communes were vitally connected with the industrial areas. He appreciated the weight attached by France to the consideration of her security. The Council should give careful thought to the French view. . t , NOT TO BE DRAGGED INTO WAR. Mr. IJoyd George thought that Fiance would only add to her dangers, and not to her security in following her proposed course in Silesia. In the last war France • had just cause, and he would always support her in the justice of her Cause. The Allies came to France's aid when she was unjustly oppressed, but ' the British Empire was not going to be dragged into new wars, caused by oppression or the use of superior force in the hour of triumph. That would be an abuse of justice. France had nothing to fear if Bhe used moderation and equity. DANGER DENIED. General Lerond, expounding the French expert's view, said the situation was grave, and they must not lose sight of tha fact that the Allied continents were in danger, owing to the presence of camouflaged German- organisationsj The situation demanded a prompt,-s.olution. Sir Harold Ste.irt, British High Commisaioner, denied that danger was imminent, but agreed that the ■■ presence of German organisations would be a danger. If they were attacked by the Poles, then the Allied continent would be insufficient to deal with th© situation. '■ General Marines (Italy) echoed Sir Harold Stuart's views. v . ■