Silesian Settlement

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 242, 17 October 1921, Page 5

Silesian Settlement

THE LEAGUE’S SOLUTION. MR. BALFOUR’S VIEWS. A WORKABLE SCHEME. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyriffht.] London, Oct. 15. The Hon. A. J. Balfour, interviewed on his return from Geneva, stated that some foreign journals had alleged that the Council of the League, in dealing with Silesia, was merely the puppet of various governments. The suggestion was absolutely without foundation. The Council was left severely alone to grapple with the problem, which was exceedingly difficult through the intermingling of the populations. He believed, notwithstanding the natural objection against cutting the industrial area in two, regulations were elaborated which would immensely diminish the inconvenience. If both parties show ordinary prudence and a sense of self-interest, they will be able to make a workable proposition of the scheme. He could not imagine any policy more fatal than for Germany to seek to wreck the scheme, especially as German industries are safeguarded.—(A. and N.Z.) FRENCH TRIBUTE TO MR. BALFOUR. A SLIGHT UNEASINESS. (Received 17, 9.45 a.m.) Paris, October 15. Newspapers applaud Mr. Balfour’s work in connection with the Silesian problem, which has done much to prevent what previously had threatened to seriously affect Polish and French relations. There was something approaching a note of triumph when the political frontiers under the League’s scheme leaked out. but a closer analysis is causing some French publicists to realise that the political sovereignty of Poland may yet be subordinated to the economic sovereignty of Germany, who. with her greater experience, resources, and efficiency, will bo practically master of the Polish area.—(A. and N.Z.) GERMANS IN SILESIA. IN STATEOF PANIC. (Received 17, 9.45 a.m.) Berlin, October 15. The League’s decision is formally expected on Tuesday, when the Governments of Germany and Poland will be requested to administer the respective areas of Silesia. Considerable panic prevails among the German populace n Silesia, with a run on the banks. Many Germans are migrating from the industrial area. Business men regard the partition as fateful for Germany’s economic future. —(A. and N.Z.) FRESH DIFFICULTY ARISES. ECONOMIC SETTLEMENT INCOMPLETE. (Received 17. 10.45 a.m.) Paris, October 16. The League of Nations’ Silesia recommendations henceforth become the Supreme Council’s decisions, creating a fresh difficulty by the fact that, while Germany and Poland must accept the frontier laid down,\ they are not compelled to acept the economic settlement. On this point Warsaw and Berlin will be asked mutually to discuss economic accord. This is likely to occupy time. Meanwhile the Versailles Treaty prescribes that the Inter-Allied Commission in Silesia ceases to function within a month of the frontier being notified, and troops withdrawn.—(A. and N.Z.)