POSITION EASIER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2028, 14 August 1920, Page 9

POSITION EASIER.

FRANCE AND GREAT BRITAIN. RECOGNITION OF WRANGEL. By Cahle.—Vices Association.—Copyright. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON', August 12. The Rt. Hon. 1). Lloyd George, addressing a meeting of Coalition Liberals, said he fervently hoped and believed that nothing would interfere with the close co-operation between Great Britain and France, sanctified by so many sacriiices made in common for the liberties of the world. It is understood that the AngloFrench position to-day is easier. It is believed that the meeting of the Prime Ministers will result in the reestablishment of a better understanding. Mr Lloyd George and Lord Curzon, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, are arranging to meet M. Millerand at the earliest opportunity, probably on Sunday, to discuss the recognition of General Wrangel, and prevent the further widening of the breach in the Entente. France's failure to consult Great Britain is officially attributed to a misunderstanding. It is admitted that Great Britain, when advising Poland, ought to have considered France's view more carefully. On the other hand, it is suggested that France's commitment was needlessly sudden, though it may be susceptible to adequate explanation. The dangers of a disagreement with France are taken very seriously in Downing Street. The "Evening Standard" says that if the recognition of General Wrangel is carried out to a logical conclusion, it must terminate, or profoundly modify, Franco-British co-operation.

BREACH NOT CAUSED. RELATIONS STILL AMICABLE. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, August 12. It is officially stated that steps have not yet been taken for a meeting between Mr Lloyd George and M. Millerand. An inspired view states that French diplomatic circles are surprised at the English emotion caused by France's recognition of Wrangel, and the importance attached thereto in England. It is entirely independent of the Polish question. If England's susceptibilities are touched, it is infinitely _ regrettable, but French susceptibility has been similarly stirred by the declaration by Mr Lloyd George advising Poland to accept conditions which would result in a fresh breach of the Treaty of Versailles. British Ministers do not regard France's action as causing a breach between the 'two nations. Great Britain to-day sent a communication to M. Millerand. The British representatives in Paris are conferring amicably with the French Foreign Office. An official statement says the divergencies in views will not prevent a continuance of this intimate collaboration. The Joint Labour Committee in London decided to submit to the conference proposals to send a Labour deputation to France to invite assistance from the French Labour movement regarding the foreign situation, and prevent the possibility of a misunderstanding between British and French workers. Another resolution supports Mr Lloyd CSeorge's efforts to achieve a Russian-xolish peace. The resolution demands that Great Britain shall take an immediate lead in the negotiation of peace with Russia, and demands that Mr Lloyd George shall disclose the Cabinet's ideas of satisfactory peace terms.