SUPREME COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18321, 11 August 1921, Page 5

SUPREME COUNCIL

THE SILESIAN PROBLEM. ANGLO-FRENCH FRICTION. MR LLOYD GEORGE’S SUGGESTION. Freon Association—By Telegraph—Copyright PARIS, August 9. General Allen, the American Commandant on the Rhine, attended the council of the various allied military experts, and unfolded his views on the question of the security of troojis in Silesia, after which Mr Llovd George explained his views on the problem generally, declaring that it was the most menacing ever placed before the council. Great Britain and Italy held similar views, ho said, whereas France differed. Whilst wishing to accommodate existing differences, he was convinced that a settlement must not be made at the expense of the majority of population and the Powers concerned. Any attempt on tho basis of a plebiscite vote to manoeuvre the German population out of Silesia would recoil upon its authors, and Great Britain would never support such a settlement.

Mr Lloyd George suggested that fresh instructions be given to tho experts to discuss the matter on the following lines: First, one vote one value, as he was not prepared to accept the argument that the peasant vote should outweigh the artisan vote; secondly, that the industrial area, which was German by two to one, chould go to Germany; thirdly, that contiguous areas should be analysed to show which communes were vitally connected with the industrial areas. Ho appreciated the weight attached by France to the consideration of her security, and said the council should give careful thought to the French view.

Mr Lloyd George said he thought that France would only add to her danger, not to her security, in following her proposed course in Silesia. In the last war France had a just cause, and the world would always support her in the justice of her cause. The Allies came to France’s aid ivhen she was unjustly oppressed. But the British Empire was not going tc be dragged into new wars caused by oppression or the use of superior force in the hour of triumph. That would be an abuse of justice. Franco had nothing to fear if she used moderation and equity. General Leround, expounding tne French experts’ views, saidj the situation was grave. They must not lose sight of the fact that Allied contingents were endangered owing to the presence of camouflaged German organisations. The situation demanded' a prompt solution. Sir Harold Stuart, the British High Commissioner, denied that danger was imminent, but agreed that the presence of German organisations would be a danger if attacked by the Poles. The Allied contingents would then ne insufficient to deal with the situation. General Marines (Italy) echoed Sir Harold Stuart’s view.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE CASE FOR BRITAIN. AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION. LONDON, August 9. (Received August 10, at 8.30 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph says: “Upper Silesia has been poisoning our diplomacy for too long a period, ahd has already inflicted ruinous damage to the economy of Central Europe. It is true that the revival of industry is impossible in r, 'lesia while its fate is undecided, as it has been since the Treaty of Yeisailles. Upper Silesia will, produce nothing for Europe until its political destiny is decided. ’ The Daily Chronicle says: “Mr Lloyd George made a most effective presentation of the British case. If the full text could reach the ears of the French public as delivered it would go far to dispute any illusion that Mr Lloyd George and the British nation are not deeply solicitous for the highest French interests.” The Daily News says that to secure success it is essential that the Allied experts should report promptly, and that the council should act promptly. If Allied unanimity is made clear a decision can be enforced without ‘ much difficulty. The danger of a catastrophe, which was nearly caused by the unhappy combination of procrastination and self-seeking, seems to have been narrowly averted. —A and N.Z. Gable. THE FRENCH VIEWPOINT. M. BRIAND HOPEFUL. LONDON, August 10. (Received Aug. 10, at 9.30 p.m.) M. Errand, replying to Mr Lloyd George, ; said that France had no ulterior motives in her designs regarding the division of Upper Silesia. She only desired to carry out the Versailles Treaty fairly, ut" he thought that in -matters where there was a doubt the victors ought to have the benefit. The Poles had preserved their language for centuries. They had had the courage to vote in great numbers for liberation, and he thought they ought to be emancipated from Germany, with provision that in cases of doubt the moral consideration should bo taken into account. Upper Silesia was a small matter compared with the maintenance of Anglo-French friendship. He was hopeful that a quick solution would he found. Signor Bonomi said the question was purely economic, depending on whether the industrial area was united or not. The council will resume on Wednesday. Paris reports say that everyone ; n the city is optimistic that a settlement will be reached during the week.

THE PARIS SITUATION.

GERMAN PRESS CRITICISM

LONDON, August 10. (Received August 10, at 9.30 p.m.) The Morning Post’s Berlin correspondent savs that Herr Theodor Wolff discusses the'Paris situation in the Tagablatt. Ho says : “The English' know what is at stake. Their programme is amply laden. Will it be forgotten that in the future the 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 thfe industrial district of Tipper Silesia will be a German workshop in future —A. and N.Z. Cable.