Briand’s Polioy.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 131, 26 May 1921, Page 5

Briand’s Polioy.

CLEAR-CUT STATEMENT. MAINTENANCE OF ENTENTE. “JUSTICE SHALL PREVAIL.” (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) Paris, May 24. The Chamber was packed to hear a statement by M. Briand, who emphasized that .France wanted a loyal execution. of the treaty. He dwelt on Poland’s histone rights in Upper Silesia, which were unanimously endorsed by the Inter-Allied Commission. He attributed the German success at the polls partly to the tact that the Germans brought back 180,000 voters ior the purpose of the plebiscite. in a printed reference to Mr Lloyd George, M. Briand referred to the inconveniences attending discussions which were held in the market places and made the object of newspaper polemics. Nevertheless, such methods were not without their advantages. He admitted that the soldiers had not always had a qualification on which to base a just appreciation of the treaty, .but a decision would be reached in accordance with the experts’ report, under which justice must prevail. M. Briand expressed confidence in 1/r Wirth s sincerity. He (M. Briand) intended to follow the policy of the maintenance of the Entente. If the House disagreed they must choose his successor. —(Reuter.) GERMANY’S ASSURANCES. London, May 25. Mr. Martin Donohoe, the “Daily Chronicle’s” special correspondent in Paris, points out that M. Briand, at a conference of the most friendly character with the German Minister since the Armistice, received the Berlin Government’s assurances. This was most opportune, as it followed immediately after the national bloc deputation presented the demand for the immediate occupation of the Ruhr owing to the Germans’ entry into Upper Silesia, and M. Briand was able to reply that the Upper Silesian problem was satisfactorily settled.—(Reuter.)

GERMANY KEEPS FAITH. DR. WIRTH FOR SINCERITY. END TO BLUFF AND EVASIONS. SMASHING UP MILITARY BODIES. London, May 25. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent states that President Ebert, in response to the French demands, has issued an order, applicable to the whole of unoccupied Germany, making it an offence, punishable by a fine up to 100,U00 marks, to form or participate in unauthorised military bodies. The correspondent says inquiries in many quarters convinced him that Dr. Wirth is inspired by a sincere desire to win tho world’s confidence and avoid troubles and complications hindering Germany from settling down to work .in order to pay her debts. Whether the new spirit will continue depends upon the Allies, if t‘he new policy of honesty is systematically misrepresented as diabolical duplicity the Government may fall back, as its predecessors did, into the bluffs, concealments and evasions, which have caused mischief for the last two years.—(Reuter.) HOSTILITIES CEASE. BETWEEN POLES AND GERMANS. BERLIN ENFORCES ORDER. SILESIAN FRONTIER CLOSED. Paris, May 25. The energetic action ot the Allied Commission has secured a cessation of hostilities between tne Poles ana utiluuns. it is alleged when the Poles reoccupied Grosstein they found that their wounded, whom they had been forced to leave behind wiien the Germans advanced, had all been killed. Herr Mayer has handed over Germany’s reply to M. Briand’s Note, it declares that the Government is taking immediate measures to close luc Upper Silesian frontier and disarm and disband the German volunteers.— (Reuter.) THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE. ADVANCE ON THREE FRONTS. HEAVILY EQUIPPED FORCES. London, May 24. The fighting in Upper Silesia is apparently organised on a large scale, according to a correspondent in Sosnowice, who, quoting French sources, says the German offensive is developing in three directions. The attack near the Oder river had as its objective Grosstein, which was occupied after a fierce struggle. A column of 20,000 strong, with armoured trains, is operating along the Kreuzberg-Rosen-berg railway, aiming at the industrial region of the Polish frontier, while a third force from Ratibor has Gleiwitz as its objective. The insurgents everywhere are resisting desperately. French diplomatic circles are excited over the foregoing occurrences. It is understood from a Paris correspondent that the German Ambassadors in Paris and London have been requested to warn the Imperial Government to immediately cease aggressive movements if Allied reprisals are not desired.— (Reuter.) BRITISH SILESIAN FORCE. TO BE INCREASED. London, May 24. Mr Austen Chamberlain stated that the Government contemplated adding to the Silesian force when trains are available.—(A. and N.Z.)