A GRAVE POSITION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10962, 26 July 1921, Page 6

A GRAVE POSITION

SILESIAN TANGLE POSSIBLE EFFECT ON FRANCOBRITISU RELATIONS. BROADER VIEW URGED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Pnblirhed In "The Times.” (Received July 25, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 24. “The Times,’’ in a leader, takes a »rave vic-w of the Silesian position, it >i;ivs that the time has como for a full and frank discussion on tlio points at issue, based on absolute determination to make the Entente more effective than ever. The divergence of views !« tween Franco and Britain has been allowed to develop to such a degree as to threaten grave consequences and tendencies to independent action, which would gite joy to our enemies, and must ho overcome by a broader and more energetic policy. France and Britain cannot afford to quarrel over minor matters. GERMANY REPLIES - DENIAL OF FRENCH ALLEGATIONS AGAINST TROOPS. PARIS, July 24. The German Government has sent a Note douying the French allegations against German troops in Poland, also pointing out that they are now disbanded. The Note says the German Government opposes the dispatch of further French trooope to Silesia. Other Parisian reporta state that Germany considers the demand for the passage of troops through German territory should emanate from all the Allies occupying Silesia- France, however, while not anxious to act alone, intimates that, if Britain and Italy will not act, she will not hesitate to send reinforcements to assure the safety «rf French troops already in Silesia,

Banter’s Telearram. . • BERLIN, July 24. The German reply to the French Note denies the alleged outrages against the French, and declares that the situation in Upper Silesia Is in nowise threatened bv the German population. It asserts tnatthe German defence force has been disarmed and disbanded, but that the entire Polish insurgent military organisation remains in plebiscite territory. The French troops nitheirto have done nothing effectual to- disarm the Poles, and an increase in the French troops would scarcely contribute to the tranquility _of the situation, which Is naturally strained owing to the delay. The Note adds: The German Government will continue to endeavour to caryr out the Peace Treaty, but the Poles must be made to observe tho Treaty and cease to strive in their illegitimate aims.