THE POLISH CRISIS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2029, 16 August 1920, Page 7

THE POLISH CRISIS.

ATTITUDE OF FRANCE. INTEREST IN AMERICA. By Calle. — Prest Attceiaticn. — Copyright. (A. & N.Z.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 13. It is understood that the Government is expectantly awaiting the French Note expressing satisfaction at the unanimity of French and American policy. It_Js" said that nothing could please the Administration more than to have France's approval of the United States' attitude towards Russia. It is pointed on I that France has always insisted that the United States should be consulted in the formation of any general Allied programme concerning Russia. Mr David Francis, formerly American Ambassador to Russia, has predicted that "the Soviet will go to pieces in six months." He said the effect of the United States' Note to Italy would be detrimental to Bolshevik rule. Speaking ai Milwaukee, Mr Franklin I). Roosevelt, the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee, said that if America had been a member of the League of Nations, Poland would not be fighting the Bolsheviks now. If America had been able to throw her moral force into the scale, the Bolshevik armies would not have been where they are now. The heart of America went out to Poland, but her hands were tied. DEFENCE OF WARSAW. DETERMINATION OF PILSUDSKI. (A. A N.Z.) PARIS, Aug. 13. j General Chief of the ! French General Staft, who is now at Warsaw, agreed to take command of the Polish foiccs provided the Poles did not Insist on actually defending the capital. j General Pilsudski declared that Warsaw must be defended to the last. General Weygand thereupon declined to take command. "JINGOISTIC FRANCE." THE LABOUR ATTITUDE. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, Aug. 1.1. Mr W. Adamson> M.P., who presided at the Labour Conference, said the action of jingoistic France and the manifestation of the dollarmaking instinct of America during the last 48 hours had made the holding of the conference more than ever necessary. He challenged the Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George to deny that he had had the repeated declaration -of the Soviet Government that it intended to preserve Poland's independence. The Labour Party told the Government categorically that there would be no war between Great Britain and Russia.

Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., in moving a resolution approving the Labour Council's action in the present situation, said that if circumstances demanded it, it would be better for the whole Labour movement to decide on direct action. Only desperate and dangerous methods could prevent a calamity.

The following resolutions were adopted by acclamation:— "That, realising the gravity of the international situation, this conference pledges itself to resist every form of military and naval intervention against the Soviet Government, and instructs the Council of Action to secure, (1) Absolute guarantees that Great Britain's armed forces will not be used to support General Wrangel or any other effort; (2) The withdrawal of Great Britain's forces operating as a blockading influence against Russia; (3) Recognition of the Soviet Government and the establishment of unrestricted trade relations between Great Britain and Russia. "That this conference refuses to be associated with any alliance between Great Britain and France committing these countries to the support of Poland or General Wrangel." THE COUNCIL OF ACTION. NOT A CHALLENGE. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, Aug. 15. Mr Hodges, secretary ot the Miners' Federation, contributes an article to the "Sunday Express," declaring that "the Council of Action is the most significant thing since the birth of the Labour movement in Britain. The council's success is due to the spirit of opposition to war. R is not a challenge to Parliamentary government, but a challenge to Government procedure at variance with the people's will. If the Government challenges the people's right to express its will in this form, it will mean civil war. The motives for bringing the Council of Action into being are transient. There is no question of establishing a Soviet Government in Britain." POLISH HARVEST TAKEN. BOLSHEVIK REQUISITIONS. (A. & N.Z.) COPENHAGEN, Aug. 14. Reports from Warsaw state that the Bolsheviks are requisitioning the Polish harvest and sending the grain eastward. The "National Tidende!' states that Trotzkv, in a speech at Vilna, said the solemn reception of Kamenell' and Krassin as the representatives of the Russian Government in London meant that the Western Powers recognised the Soviet Government. He added that "Bolshevism had captured the whole of Europe." PLOT AGAINST THE POLES. THE MINSK MEETING. (A. & N.Z.) WARSAW, Aug. 14. One hundred persons were arrested in connection with a plot to blow up the Polish Army Headquarters. The discussions at Minsk Avill be open to the Press.. The Polish parlementaires report that it has been arranged that the armistice preliminaries will commence at Minsk on August 1-1. WARSAW SURROUNDED. A REVOLUTIONARY MOVE. (A. * N.Z.) BERLIN, Aug. 15. The Bolsheviks report that Warsaw is surrounded. M. Pumowski, leader of the Polish National Democrats, is heading a revolutionary movement to overthrow the Polish Government.