RUSSO-POLISH ARMISTICE.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 167, 17 July 1920, Page 5

RUSSO-POLISH ARMISTICE.

TELEGRAM SENT TO THE

SOVIET

PROPOSALS FOR PEACE CON-

FERENCE

- ■ (Rentier's''Telegrams.'). • ' (Revived- July 17, 9.20 a.m.) - -.. -LONDON, July 16.

:T.n:the -Holism--of Commons Mr Bonar Law r"ead a telegram sent by the British Government; to the' Soviet Government on the 11th proposing an immediate. Russo-Polish armistice, by which the Polish armies would immediately withdraw to the eastern boundary of Poland, as poon as possible thereafter representatives of Soviet Russia. Poland,.. Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland would assemble in London under the auspices of the I'eace Coftferenc-0 to negotiate a final T'?ace between Russia and its neutral States. Renresontatives. of E'isfc Galicia. would also be invited to the conference.

The British Government also' proposed a, simultaneous armistice between the Soviet forces and General Wrangel, on the basis that Wrangel's .forces f-hould immediately retire from the Crimea, which would be neutral during the armistice, and that Wranarel'should< be invited to London to discuss the future a f his troops and refugees, but lie would not be a member of the conference.

The British Government bound, itself wot to assist Polasid in any purpose hostile to Russia, and to take no action itself hostile to Russia. She was also bound under tho Covenant of the League of Nations to defend the integrity of Poland within certain frontiers.

If, therefore, the Soviet Government, despite its repeated declarations to l>e content with the withdrawal of the Polish airmies from Russia on condition of a mutual armistice,' intended to take- action hostile to Poland in Poland's own ♦territory,.' the British Government and, the Allies would feel bound to assist Poland to defend its existence with all means at their disposal. ." The Polish Government declared its willingness to make peace with Soviet Russia and negotiate ffir an armistice on the above basis as soon as-it was informed that the Soviet ako agreed. The British Government had stated that it would be glad of a definite, reply within a week. Replying to Mr Asquith Mr. Bonar Law said that this message was sent by wireless to Moscow with the knowledge and approval of the Allies.