THE SILESIAN DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17843, 26 July 1921, Page 5

THE SILESIAN DISPUTE.

IMPERILLING THE ENTENTE.

FRANK DISCUSSION URGED.

TIMES TAKES GRAVE VIEW, j By Telegraph—Presa Association—Copyright ' (Received 11.30 p.mo Tinies - LONDON, July 24. The Times, in a leader, takes a grave view of the Silesian position. It says that the time has come for a full and frank dis- j cussion of the points at issue, based on ab- | solute determination to make the Entente '< more effective than ever. The divergence j of views between France and Britain has ; been allowed to develop to such a degree j as to threaten grave consequences. The j tendencies to independent action, which give joy to our enemies, must be over- | come by a broader and more energetic I policy of union. France and Britain can- i not afford to quarrel over minor matters, j FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS. OPPOSITION BY GERMANY. A. and N.Z. FARIS. July 24. The German Government has sent a Note denying the French allegations against the German troops in Upper Silesia and also pointing out that they | have now been disbanded. The Note j says that the German Government opposes | the despatch of further French troops to i Upper Silesia. Other Paris reports state that Germany considers that the demand for the pas- ; sage of troops through German territory j should emanate from all the Allies occu- j pying Upper Silesia. France, however, I while not anxious to act alone intimates that if Britain and Italy will not act, j she will not hesitate to send reinforcements i to assure the safety of the French troops | already in Silesia. A DIPLOMATIC DUEL. GERMAN REPLY TO FRANCE, j Keuter. LONDON, July 24. ] The German reply to the French Note i denies that alleged anti-French outrages have occurred, and declares that the situation in Upper Silesia is in no way threatened by the German population. It asserts that the German defence force has beer, disarmed and disbanded, but that the eDtire Polish insurgent military organisation remains in the plebiscite territory. The French troops have so far done nothing effectual to disarm the Poles. An increase of French troops would scarcely contribute to the tranquility of the situation, which is naturally strained owing to the delay on the part of the Allies to reach a settlement. The Note adds that Germany will continue to endeavour to carry out the Versailles Treaty, but the Poles must be made to observe the treaty and cease to strive for illegitimate aims. The French newspapers describe the German Note as insolent, proving Germany's bad faith.