SILESIAN BOUNDARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18323, 13 August 1921, Page 9

SILESIAN BOUNDARY.

AGREEMENT PRACTICALLY REACHED. PARIS, August 11. It is reported that the Silesian boundary experts have practically reached an agreement. They propose a frontier following generally the line which was suggested bv Signor Sforza (when he was Italian Foreign Minister), but giving Zaborze to Germany and Beuthen to Poland, whereas France is trying to secure Zaborze for Poland, and Great Britain wants Germany to have Beuthen.—A. and N.Z. Cable. FRANCO-BRITISH RUPTURE, SERIOUS DIFFERENCES. LONDON, August 12. (Received August 12, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Lloyd George, M. Briand, and Lord Curzon attempted to arrive at an understanding without success. The task proved hopeless, and there were sensational rumours crediting the British delegation with an intention of packing up bag and baggage and returning to London. Mr Lloyd George and M. Briand had a further interview in the evening, after which the following semi-official communique was issued: “The experts have reported regarding Upper Silesia. The report has been discussed by the Allied representatives. Certain differences of opinion exist between Britain and Italy on the one hand, and France on the other. The proposals of the British and the Italians are now being considered by the r ranch Government. The French Cabinet will meet on Friday, prior to which Mr Lloyd George will again interview M. Briand before returning to London. Lord Curzon remains to act on Mr Lloyd George’s behalf at the Council’s remaining session.” Interviewed, M. Briand * said that Mr Lloyd George’s departure should not bo interpreted as a breach' of the Entente, but he frankly admitted that between France and Great Britain there were serious differences of opinion, on which he was compelled to consult his Cabinet. He recognised the urgency of the Irish problem necessitating Mr Lloyd George’s return, and concluded: “I am still hopeful, and I am always hopeful to the last minute that we shall reach an agreement." The Daily Express’s Paris correspondent states that the rupture was caused by a clause in tho expert’s report that certain conlmunes were inseparably divided, which upsets the French partition scheme. The entire question has been referred back to the experts. It is hoped that the Council will have a new proposition, warranting the resumption of proceedings on Saturday.—A. and N.Z. Cable. PARIS, August 12. (Received August 12, at 5.5 p.m.) Tho changed outlook at the Supreme Council was arrived at witL most dramatic suddenness on Thursday night. The experts worked late the previous night attempting to present an acceptable compromise regarding Upper Silesia in readiness for the Council’s morning session. Mr Lloyd George, Lord Curzon, and the F rench delegation met at breakfast on Thursday and discussed the situation. It was immediately obvious that M. Briand had become more insistent than before, appealing strenuously for the adoption of the French viewpoint. Mr Lloyd George was adamant, and declared that it was necessary to await the renort of tho experts. He firmly opposed further procrastination, saying that an immediate solution was necessary in the interests of everyone. After two hours’ discussion. Mr Lloyd George peremptorily declined to make any concession.—A. and N.Z. Cable.