SILESIAN PROBLEM

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1921, Page 5

SILESIAN PROBLEM

ALLIES AT VARIANCE NEGOTIATIONS SUSPENDED. (Australian and N.Z. Caole Association.) PARIS, August 12. A changed outlook at the Supreme Council was arrived at with most dramatic suddenness on Thursday night. The experts worked late the previous night, attempting to present an acceptable compromise regaiding Upper Silesia in readiness for the Council’s morning session. Mr. Lloyd George, Lord Curzon, and the French delegation met at breakfast on Thursday, and discussed the .situation. It was immediately obvious r. Briana had become more insistent than previously appealing strenuously for the adoption 'of the French viewpoint. Air. Lloyd George was adamant, and declared it necessary to await the expert’s report though he firmly opposed further procrastination. An immediate solution was necessary in everyone’s interest. After two hours discussion Air. Lloyd George peremptorily declined , to make an concession. M. BRIAND’S STATEMENT. LONDON, August 12. Interviewed, M. Briand said that Mr. Lloyd George's departure should not be interpreted as a breach of the Entente, but he frankly admitted that between France and Britain .there were serious differences of opinion on which he was compelled to consult his Cabinet. He recognised the urgency of the Irish problem, as necessitating Air. Lloyd George’s return. He concluded -—“I am still hopeful—am always hopeful to the last-minute —that we shall reach an agreement.” The “Daily Express's” Paris correspondent states “The rupture was caused by a clause in the British experts report that certain Communes in Silesia were inseparably united, which upsets the French partition scheme. The entire question has been referred back to the experts. It is hoped the Imperial Council will have a new proposition warranting a resumption on Saturday.

ITALY SUPPORTS BRITAIN. j LONDON, August 12. Mr. Lloyd .George M. Briand, and Lord Curzon had already unsuccessfully attempted to arrive at an understanding in regard to the Silesian question, but the task proved hopeless. Following on some sensational rumours, crediting the British delegation with the intention of packing up their baggage, and returning to London. Mr. Lloyd George and M. Briand had a further interview in the evening, after which the following semi-official communique was issued : “The experts have reported regarding Upper Silesia. The report has been discussed by the Allied representatives. Certain differences of opinion exist between Britain and Italy on the one hand, and France on the other. The proposals uf the British and Italians are now being considered by the French Government. The French Cabinet meets on Friday prior to which Dlr. Lloyd George again interviews M. Briand before returning to London. . Lord Curzon remains to act on Mr. Lloyd George’s behalf at the Imperial Council’s remaining session.

FRENCH PRESS’COMMENTS. Recd. 10.50 a.m. PARIS, Aug. 12. Newspapers unanimously approve of France’s attitude and declare that if the disagreement over Upper Silesia continues, it won’t be France’s fault. “Le Petit Journal” points out. that M. Briand informed the British delegation the last possible concession was Sforza’s frontier line. France has the right to demand a proof of England’s friendship. England’s line gives Germany all the industrial triangle, while the concession to Poland is exclusively agricultural land.

REFERRED TO LEAGUE. MUTUAL REASSURANCES. Recd. 11 a.m. PARIS, Aug. 12. The Cabinet under M. Millerand’s Presidency, assembled prior to the meeting of the Supreme Council and unanimously approved bI. Briand’s attitude. When the Council met later, after a brief sitting, a communique was issued stating that as England, Italy and Japan are opposed to the French proposals, all had agreed to refer the problem to the League of Nations. It is unoflicialy reported that M. Briand suggested the question be referred to America. Dlr Lloyd George proposed a reference to the League of Nations. The vote was

unanimous. The Council decided that a commission of three should return. to Oppeln, and also appeal to Germany and Poland to preserve order. Mr Lloyd George’s last words, as he was leaving for London, were: “I knew well everything would be all right.” M. Briand smilingly replied: “How could it be otherwise?” Mr Lloyd George said that with reference to the League of Nations there was no disagreement between Britain and France, nor any reflection on the French Government or its experts. It was important to say that Japan and Italy took the same line as Britain. The. 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 the majority of the Council take one view, 'France alone taking the other, Britain would accept the League s decision without ■ demur, and if necessary strengthen the Alied forces in Silesia. Britain would make a contribution on the same scale as any other Power. M. Briand said that France would accept the decision without demur, and he suggested that jurists should draft the reference to the League. Signor Bonomi stated- that Italy was willing to send reinforcements, pending the League’s decision.