THE PLIGHT OF POLAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1887, 11 August 1920, Page 5

THE PLIGHT OF POLAND.

ASSISTANCE FROM ALLIES. BUT NO TROOPS TO BE SENT. if

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) ; ‘ LONDON, August, 9. The I'lythe Conference finished with a short afternoon sitting, held owing to the receipt of further communications from Soviet sources, after which Mr Lloyd George and M. Millcrand returned to their respective capitals. The former, upon departure, was accorded an ovation. It is officially stated that the Allies arc in complete agreement in regard to their action with reference to the Polish situation, subject, however in the case of Britain, to approval by Parliament. It is understood that the Allies are determined to support the 1 o os by technical advice and munitions; also possiblv by naval measures, but Allied troops will not bo employed .Furthermore it is semi-ofhcially explained that the British Government for three months has done its utmost to induce Russia to come to terms with a view to removing the serious condition of all airs in Eastern Lurope but the Russians appear determined to crush the-Poles, ami impose upon 1o-

laud a form of Government to which the „ r cat majority of the Poles strongly object. The Allies feel it their duty to do everything possible to enable the Poles to maintain their independence, because Poland was created by the Treaty of Versailles. Nevertheless, the issue must largely depend on the ability of the Poles themselves with such help n» aforementioned to repel Uus S '*The Minsk conference between the Poles and Russians will be held on 10th August. If the hitter then indicate their willingness to.' make reasonable terms different considerations will apply. It is probable that Krassin and Kumeneff will be permitted to remain in London until after 11th August, in order that the Government may learn what occurs at Minsk. In the. omit of the Minsk negotiations failing, it is likely tliat

the Government will nsl: Krassin and Kameneff to leave Britain on the ground that it is impossible to negotiate with thorn white the Allies are simultaneously taking steps to assist tho Poles. LABOUR’S OBJECTION TO WAR. The Labour Conference- hold in the House of Commons passed the following resolution:—(l) That this joint conference lepcc-s,„li,i.-r the Tracies’ Union Congress, the Labour Partv, and the Parliamentary Labour Party, fools certain chat a war is being engineered between the Allied Powers ami Soviet Russia over Poland, and declares that such a war would ho an intolerable crime against humanity. It warns ile Government that the whole industrial power of the organised workers will be used lo

defeat this war. (2) That the executive commit toes of the affiliated organisations throughout the country be, summoned to bold Themselves ready to proceed imme- | deathly to London for a national conference, and that they lie advised to instruct their members to down tools on ins!ructions from that national conference. (3) That a conn-I ril be immediately constituted to take such I stops as are necessary to carry this decision I into effect. I VlTio decision is unquestionably an ultima-1 tnm to the Government that a new war will 1 moan a general strike all over the country. I A prominent Labourite declares thaiQ the I decision is not only a throat, but llie do-J ciuion will materialise if necessary. Con-J sidcrablo enthusiasm prevailed ai the con-1 forcncc following the adoption of the roso- I lotion. The extreme wing urged immediate J direct action, hut the moderates, although I equally favouring a firm attitude, secure;! j the adoption of a more constitutional pro-j ccdure. j STRIKE IF WAR DECLARED. Tho joint political, industrial, and I Labour organisations are unanimous in I their decision. Their decision is an lint- I prccedentcd action in the history of the I j Labour movement. If means that if Bri-J .tain decides, to institute a war measure J I against Russia, the National Congress of I |Trade Unions will be held within a fowl 1 hours to declare an immediate general I I strike, involving 6,000,000 workers. Sec-1 tional Labour protests continue, but there I is every indication that the great mass, of I the working population is unitedly behind I the leaders. The Council of Action up-1 * pointed by the conference arranged an in-1 torviow with Mr Lloyd George to-day. I 1 Tlie actual decision of the ,Allies regard-1

ing Russia will be deferred until they I know the result of the Russo-Polish do-1 ! liberations at Minsk on Wednesday. The I Russian terms, which will there bo dis-1 'closed, will be regarded as a test of Rus-I sin’s bona lidcs. France would welcome I stronger Allied action. Mr Lloyd George j probably welcomes Labour’s emphatic pro-1 . nouncomont, as providing solid grounds I j for non-intervention. Government news-1 'papers declare that the crisis is past, and J there will be no war so far us Britain is concerned.

Tho Daily Chronicle’s correspondent says: I have high authority for saying that the Government will not involve tlie countrv in war, provided Russia docs not attempt to destroy independence. If Poland’s independence is at stake, Britain will impose a complete ’ blockade against Russia. The Daily Express states that Mr Lloyd

George’s decision against participation in war is based on the merits of the case, rather than on the strength of public opinion against intervention, A despatch from Warsaw on Monday states that tho Polish army is demoralised, and the fall of Warsaw imminent. Mr Bonar Law. when closely questioned in the House of Commons whether Britain had sent munitions to Poland, preserved a guarded attitude, but definitely stated that Britain had not sent munitions from Britain, though it did not follow that this would not bo done. —(A. and N.Z. cable).

advance of bolsheviks.

Received August 11, 9 a.m. LONDON, August 10. A Bolshevik communique states: Me have occupied points fourteen miles southwest of Ostrolenka, and have also occupied Malkin railway station, three hours journey from Warsaw. The Reds are now ten milos west of the River Bug. To tlio Seidlitz. region fighting is in progress for possession of Vlodnvu. (A. and N.Z. cable).

HELP FROM HUNGARY

Received August 11, 9 a.m. i PARIS, August 10. j M Millorand has refused any information’until Mr Lloyd George has made a statement in the House of Commons, be-1 vond saving that Poland’s independence within the frontiers assigned by the Versailles Treaty would bo maintained. (A. and N.Z. aMSTKRI)AM, August 10. Polish advices declare that the Government has been in direct negotiation with Hungary regarding military help. * l,O Polish President has accepted the Hungarian Government’s oiler to send a few regiments. Hungary is disposed to send 10,000 men and also munitions. The League of Trade Unions in Czechoslovakia has issued a manifesto urging organised Labour to refuse to transport war material to Poland, Hungary or Russia.—(A. and N.Z. cable).

LETTER FROM THE POPE.

ROME, August 10. The Pope has issued a letter culling the Catholic hierarchy’s attention to Poland s critical condition. The Pope says the Holy Sec was the only Power in the world which had protested against the iniquitous partition of Poland. Now not only 1 eland is imperilled, but the whole of Europe is again threatened with the horrors of fresh wars. “God grant that devout Poland may be spared this supremo misfortune, and that an anaemic Europe may not suiter this now scourge.” —(A. and N.Z. cable).

PEACE TREATY WITH LETTS

Received August 11, 9 a.in. COPENHAGEN, August 10. Soviet Russia and the Lotts have concluded a peace treaty which will prehu Ely be signed at Riga to-morrow.-(A. and N.Z. cable).

the german attitude

BERLIN, August 10. Herr von Simons, when interviewed, stated that he was prepared to establish diplomatic, relations with Russia., realising I hat, German and Russian co-operation was necessary for Europe’s'economic recovery. Russia must tirst give satisfaction for tae

murder of Count Murltach Although he was a Minister under the old Imperial iogime, international law demands that a Minister must be protected.—(A. and N.Z. eaiile.)

WILSON CONSIDERS BOLSHEVIKS JUSTIFIED.

Received August 11, 12.15 p.rn. PARIS, August 10. President Wilson has informed the Gov eminent that he considers the Bolshoi if advance in Poland and N.Z cable.)

DEPARTURE OF LEGATIONS FOR POSEN.

Received August 11. 9.10 a.m. I LONDON, August 9. I Tho stall's of the legations with their archives have left. Warsaw for Posen by Tlio Government s attitude Is ambiguous. I It is officially stated that it is proceeding to Posen unofficially. Members of the Ministry sav nothing, but aw settled on remaining at M’arsaw for the present i There is the greatest reluctance to go as their departure would probably be the signal for tho establishment! of a rival I C ’°A German correspondent at the Polish front states that the Reds, advancing on 1 Warsaw from tho south-east.' have circumvented the defence, thus jeopardising either flank They are now directing their main attacic on Raszymiu, The outer forts and defences of the city are entirely inadequate. Many works were blown up' by tho Germans. The eastern fortresses arc entire v useless, but there is a strong line of field fortifications 15 kilometres lyom the city I of German construction and well suited fot I defence. —(United Service.)