STRAINED RELATIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10966, 30 July 1921, Page 7

STRAINED RELATIONS

FRANCE AND BRITAIN DISPUTE OVER SILESrAX REINFORCEMENTS. NOTES EXCHANGED. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable (Received July 29, S.o p.m.) LONDON, July 29. The “Daily Chronicle’’ states that a serious and unfriendly-worded Note ban been received from France regarding Silesia. France persists in her intention to send troops, irrespective of British and Italian opinions, and declares that uniefj- Britain and Italy agree to the passage of troops now, Franco is not prepared to attend the Supremo Council meeting next week. The Note adds that if Britain persists in her attitude it must lead to a perious Anglo-French disagreement. The British reply points out that the French Note produces a grave situation, more 6erious because it was received and considered while the representatives of the Dominions, who fought for French freedom, have been able to consider the whole question. The British Government adheres to the position that as the Supreme Council meeting is being held" on August 4th, obviously the right course is to discuss Silesia then. Britain cannot, therefore, agree to the dispatch of reinforcetnents before meeting. If delay has occurred, the fault lies with the French Government, because Britain and Italy have been pressing for a meeting of the Council for many weeks. The Entente gave victory to the Allies, and Britain cannot seriously envisage its being broken. The only way is to discuss the entire question in all ite bearings next week. FRENCH TEELING SENSITIVE BRITAIN’S WHOLE-HEARTED . LOYALTY QUESTIONED. Published in "The Timee." (Received July 29, 7.45 p.m.) PARIS, July 28. The French Note to Britain insisted that if she did not support France in sending troops to Upper Silesia before the meeting of the* Supreme Council, there could be no meeting of the Council. France regards Britain’s acceptance of the French attitude as a necessary rebuff to the arrogant Geiman Note, which clearly aims to create a breach in the Entente. French feeling has been sensitive on the reinforcements question for some time. Many doubts are expressed an to the whole-hearted loyalty of Britain. .

The correspondent adds: “It may be asserted that the touchstone of the solidarity of the Alliance is to be found in the question of reinforcements.” BITTERNESS AND DISTRUST SIGNS OF IRRITATION GROWING. Published in ‘‘The Times ” (Received July 29, 10.55 p.m.) * PARIS, July 29, Though the F rench Press has kept its temper fairly well in the Entente crisis, signs of irritation are growing' daily. Already bitterness and distrust, which it will take months to disperse, have arisen. The postponement pf the Supreme Council meeting, could not fail to have the effect of greatly aggravating the possibilities, even to breaking point, of the present tension. FRANCE’S ATTITUDE COUNCIL OF STATE TO BE HELD. PARIS, July 28. The responsibility for the energetic Note to Germany with reference to Silesia, rests uipon, M. Bertheilot, but it is unlikely” that M. Briand will reverse the policy of his chief assistant, realising that France will lose prestige if she gives way. The President (M. Milleraud) will preside at a Council of State to consider the situation to-morrow. Meanwhile forces are at work for a compromise between France and Britain. PROPOSED MEDIATION ANOTHER CENTRAL EUROPEAN CONFLICT FEARED. LONDON, July 28. It as believed that the American Ambassadors in London, Paris, and Rome, seized with the seriousness of the situation and fearing that it may lead to another Central European conflictj are in close communication with President Harding with a view to mediation. Colonel Harvey (Ambassador in London) waa expected to attend the Supreme Council in an unofficial capacity. It is bow hinted that he may under the circumstances attend the meeting with more than a watching brief. TRANSPORT OF TROOPB GERMANY WILT, ACCEPT COUNCIL’S DECISION. IbERLIN, July 28. Herr Rosen, replying to the French Ambassador’s inquiry regarding the transport of troops, says the German Government has no intention to deal with the question exclusively from a legal viewpoint. Meanwhile, learning that the Supreme Council meets in a few days, the Government desires to state that it will unhesitatingly acknowledge the council’s decision. Reuter's Telegram. (Received Julv 29, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, JuTy 28. It is authoritatively explained in London that Germany is entitled, under the Treaty of Versailles, to refuse the French request for transport for troops, hut is willing to submit to what she considers a breach of the Treaty to three Powers collectively. REINFORCEMENTS NEEDED IvORFANTY INTERVIEWED. (Received July 29, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS. July 29. Genera] Korfanty, interviewed here, declared that the Allies’ forces in Upper Silesia urgently needed reinforcements. He never demanded exclusively French troops. He had confidence in all the Allied soldiers. He paid homage to the British battalions for their correct behaviour, and wishes more oould be sent. The Germans outside Upper Silesia precipitated more serious disorders than the 1000 within. The frontier must he closed.