THE POLES AND DANZIG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17125, 2 April 1919, Page 8

THE POLES AND DANZIG.

The instructions issued by the Supreme War Council to Marshal Foch to prepare for a landing of Polish troops at Danzig, by force if necessary, will bring to a bead the controversy which has taken place with the German Government over this matter. If it results in a sharp losson being administered to the Germans they will have nobody but themselves to blame. The Poles whom it is desired to land are the legions under General Haller, which were recruited in France and the United States, and fought for the Allies on the western front. These soldiers desire to be repatriated. It is highly probable that when they reach Poland they will have a stabilising influence on the internal situation, and. their discipline and war experience will make them a valuable part of the Polish army if it becomes necessary to take action against the Bolsheviks. Primarily, however, they are returning as Poles to their own country. The Allies asked Germany to place the port of Danzig at their disposal for this 'purpose. Germany has refused, offering in place one of several other ports. As Danzig is the nearest and the most suitable landing place, it would be weakness on the part of the Allies to give way. The reason for the German objection is not far to seek. Although the boundaries of the new Poland have not been officially defined there is reason to suppose that they will follow the lines of the old Poland before the first partition of 1772, and will include an outlet to the sea at Danzig. The objection to permit the Poles to land at that port is an indication of German resistance to the decision they apprehend. The allied will must be enforced. It is better to commence now. Danzig is a German town with a population of less than ten per cent, "of Poles, but it is necessary to give Poland a harbour on the Baltic, otherwise, she would.be economically dependent on Germany. Danzig is practically the only possible port for this purpose, and the Allies must place its population under Polish rule. It is a question of sacrificing the 140,000 Germans of Danzig to Poland or the millions of Poland to Germany. There can be only ono choice, and the Allies will make it and enforce it.