FRANCE DIFFERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10976, 11 August 1921, Page 6

FRANCE DIFFERS

SSL'S AN QUESTION MENACING PUOBLF.M BEFOIUS SiT’REME COCNCIL. the mtiTiftif viewpoint. Bv TViegra ■ili— Bros-* Assn.-* Copvrigh' An>!iv\::! ( .//e i<-n. PA BIS, August 9. Conor.d A Hen. the America i\ Coinna m.iil,*. attendee! /lie MJi-iviuo Cmmuil, \. 1 1* *)i tlio various Al-lv-d h 1* v experts utuoUled their vio.r-. o:i iho •;; i« .-; ** m i oi rovuritv of ;ho vi -ikd.:. a: tor ' which Mr ’ U>.a F>.p!;/m-l hi> view--. on /. ■ » rohh o. deolnrin- it the • ia nai-av.: i*w>r riaood be.ore tho l/ounei!. Lrhain and Italv held similar vuav>, but France differed. Whilst v ishin.i; to :uvo:n modi to the existing d/Verenee*. In' ''as vonvinced a sottle- : .out mii-l no*: he made at the excuse of a majority of the population and the Power* concerned. Any attempt ou the ba.-is ot tlio plebiscite vote to manoeuvre Carman population out of Silesia would re-oil upon its authors, and Britain vculd never .support such a settlement. Mr Lloyd nujrgested that fresh instructions 'should be "iven the experts to discuss tho matter on tho following lines: —Fir.-tlv, one vote one value, as he was not prepared to accept the argument that the peasant vote should outweigh the artisau vote; secondly, that the industrial area, which was Gern.au !y two to one, should no to Germany: thirdly, that contiguous areas should be analysed to show which communes were vitally connected with the industrial areas. He appreciated the weight attached by France to the consideration of licr security. The Conned should give careful thought to the French view. Mr Lloyd George thought that Frame would only add to her dangers, and not to her security, in following her proposed course in Silesia. In tho last war France had .list cause, and he would always support her in tho justice of her cause. The Allies came to France's aid when she was unjustly oppressed, but tho British Empire was not going to be dragged into new wars, caused by oppression or the use of superior force in the hour of triumph. That would be air abuse of justice. France had nothing to fear if she used moderation and equttv. General I.erond, expounding the French exports’ view, said the* situation van grave, and they must not lose sight of the fact that the Allied continents were in danger, owing to the presence of camouflaged German organisations, The situation demanded a prompt solution. Sir Harold Stuart, British High Commissioner, denied that danger was imminent, but agreed that tho presence of German organisations would be a danger. If they wero attacked by the Poles, then tlio Allied continent would bo insufficient to deal with tho situation. General Marines (Italy) echoed Sir Harold Stuart's \ iews. \ BRAND S REPLY OPTIMISTIC FEELING IX PARIS. (Received August 10, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 10. M. Griand, replying to Air Lloyd George, said' that France had no ultecricr motives in her designs regarding tho division of Upper Silesia. She only desired to carry out the Versailles Treaty, but thought that in matters where there was doubt the victors ought to have the benefit. Tho Poles had preserved their language for centuries. They htd had the courage to vote in great numbers for their liberation. He thought they oughjb to be emarieipvt d from Germany, with a provision that in cases of doubt the moral comrldoration should be taken into account. Upper Silesia was a small matter compared with tho maintenance of Anglo-French friendship. He was hopeful that a quick solution would be found. Signor lionomi said the question was purely economic, depending whether the industrial area was united or not. 1 lie. Council resumes on Wednesday. Paris reports state that everyone in the city is optimistic that a settlement will be readied during the week. ENGL ISH PRESS COMMENT 3 MR LLOYD GEORGE’S EFFECTTVE PRESENTATION. (Received August 10, 5.30 p.m.) LOXDX, August 9. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’* says; “Upper Silesia has been poisoning our diplomacy ’ too long already. It has .already inflicted ruinous damage to the “oonomy of Central Europe. It is true hat a revival of industry will never bo possible in Silesia while its fate is undecided, as it has been since tho Treaty of Versailles. Upper Silesia will produce nothing for Europe until :ts political destiny is decided.” Tho “Daily Chronicle” says: “Mr Lloyd George made a most effective presentation of the British case. If the full text could reach the oars of the French public ns delivered it would go fax to dispel any illusion that Mr Lloyd George and the British nation aro not deeply solicitous for the highi»fc French interests.**

Tho “Daily Nows*” says that to secure success it is essential that the Alin*! experts should report promptly, and tho Council art promptly. If Allied unanimity wag ruado clear a decision could .be enforced without much difficulty. Tho danger of a catastrophe, which was nearly caused by tho unhappy combiimtion of procrastination and self-seeking, seem* i<* have been narrowly averted. « A FRENCH MYTH ” GERMAN WORKSHOP IN FUTURE WARS. (Rpfeived August 10, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 10. The “Morning FV>«rtV’ Berlin correspondent state* that Theodor Wolff the Pari* situation in tho “Tageblntt.” He says: “The English know what is at stake. Tho programme is amply laden. Will it bo forgotten that tho future shaping of all problems will be affected by the decision regarding Upper Silesia? That province is one of those sensitive spots whose upheavals are felt at a distance. It is a French myth that tho industrial <|pstriefc of Upper -.Silesia should be the German workshop in future wars, but it is true that the Kates havo great spinning works there.**