SUPREME COUNCIL

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6154, 11 August 1921, Page 5

SUPREME COUNCIL

THE SILESIAN MIX-UP

FRANCE v. BRITAIN AND ITALY

LLOYD GEORGE ON BRITAIN’S

ATTITUDE.

(United Press Association—Copyright.) PARIS, Aug. 9. General Allen, American commandant on the Rhine, attended a council of the various Allied military experts. The military experts unfolded their views on the question of security troops in Silesia, after which Mr.' Lloyd George explained his views on tlie problem generally, declaring it the most menacing ever placed before the council.

Britain and Italy, he said, held similar views, whereas Franco differed. Whilst wishing to accommodate the existing differences, he was" convinced a settlement must not be made at the expense of a majority of tho populatipn of the Powers concerned. Any attempt on the basis of the plebiscite vote to manoeuvre the German population out of Silesia would recoil upon its authors, and Britain would never support such - a settlement.

Mr. Lloyd George suggested that fresh instructions be given to the experts to discuss the matter on the iollowing lines: Firstly, one vote one value, as .lie was not prepared to accept the argument that the peasant vote should outweigh the artisan vote; secondly, that’ the industrial area which was German by two to one, should go to Germany; thirdly, that continuous 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. "

Mr. Lloyd George thought that France would only add to her .danger, not to her security, in following her proposed course in Silesia. In the last war France had a just cause, and the world 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 she used moderation and equity. General Lerond, expounding the French experts’ view, said the situation was grave. They must not lose sight of the fact that Allied contingents were endangered owing to the presence of camouflaged German organisations. The situation demanded a prompt solution. Sir Harold Stuart, British High Commissioner, denied that danger was imminent, but agreed that the presence' of tho Gorman organisations would be a danger if attacked by the Poles; then the Allied contingents would be insufficient to deal with the situation.

General Marines (Italy) echoed Sir Harold Stuart’s views.—A. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

BRIAND REPLIES TO LLOYD GEORGE. “VICTORS OUGHT TO HAVE BENEFIT.” (Received Aug. 10, 9 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 10. M. Briand, replying to Mr Lloyd George, said that France had no ulterior motives in her designs as regards the division of Upper Silesia. She only desired to carry out the Versailles Treaty fairly, but thought that in matters where there was doubt the victors ought to have the benefit. The Poles had preserved their language for centuries and they had had the courage to vote in great numbers for liberation. He thought they ought to Jjg emancipated from Germany with provision that, in cases of doubt, moral considerations should be taken into account. Upper Silesia was a small matter compared with the maintenance -of the Anglo-French friendship. He was hopeful that a quick solution would be found. M. Bononi said the question was purely economic, depending whether the industrial area was united or not. The Council resumes on Wednesday. A Paris report states that everyone in the city is optimistic that a settlement will be reached during the week.

WOLFF ON SITUATION. “ENGLAND KNOWS WHAT IS AT STAKE.” A FRENCH MYTH. LONDON, Aug. 10. The Morning Post’s Berlin correspondent says that Theodore Wolff is discussing the Paris situation in the Tageblatt. He says: ‘“The English know what is at - stake. The programme is amply laden. Will it be forgotten that the future shaping of - all problems will be affected by the decision regarding Upper Silesia? That province *is one of those sensitive spots whose upheavals are felt at a distance. It is a French myth that the industrial district of Upper Silesia will be a German workshop in future wars, hut it is true that the fates have .a great spinning works there.’ THE BRITISH CASE. EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS 9 “WILL DISPEL ILLUSIONS.” LONDON, Aug. 10. The Daily Chronicle says that Mr Lloyd George made a most effective presentation o'f the British case. If the full text could reach the ears of the French public, as delivered, it would go far to dispel any illusion that Mr Lloyd George and the British nation are not deeply solicitous for the highest French interests. RUINOUS DAMAGE. EFFECT OF SILESIAN SQUABBLE. POLITICAL DESTINY'MUST BE SETTLED. LONDON, Aug. 10. The Daily Telegraph says that Upper Silesia has been poisoning our diplomacy too long already, and has inflicted ruinous damage to the economy of Central Europe. It is true the revival of industry _is never possible in Silesia while its fate is undecided as it lias been since the Treaty of Versailles. Upper Silesia will produce nothing for Europe until its political destiny is decided.

REPORT PROMPTLY T ADVICE TO THE COUNCIL DANGER OF PROCRASTINATIONS. LONDON, Aug. 10. The Daily News says that, to secure success, it is essential that the Allied experts should report promptly and the Council act promptly. If Allied unanimity be made clear a decision can be enforced without much difficulty. - The danger of catastrophe, which was nearly caused by an unhappy combination of procrastination and self-seeking, seems to have been narrowly averted.—A. and N.Z.C.A.