A VERSAILLES MODEL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2030, 17 August 1920, Page 7

A VERSAILLES MODEL.

THE SOVIET AND POLAND. "CORRIDOR" MAY GO. By Cable. — Press Association.- — C'opyvliiht. (Hruter) PARIS, Aug. 15. The "Temps" understands that the Russian armistice terms to be submitted to the Polish delegation differ fundamentally from the general draft handed to the Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George by M. Kameneff. The Soviet Government is taking the Treaty of Versailles as a model. 11 is believed that the Soviet is not disposed to offer guarantees for the maintenance of the Danzig "corridor" between Poland and the Baltic. EXODUS FROM WARSAW. THE FINAL POLISH STAND. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, Aug. 15. The Warsaw correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" reports that when the Polish Army's retreat upon its defensive positions became known, the result was a great exodus from the city. The hotels, cafes, and business centres were strangely deserted. The only diplomatic representatives remaining in Warsaw are the Italian Minister and the Papal Nuncio. The others have gone to Posen, whither the Government also intends .to go if it becomes necessary to evacuate the prepared positions where the army is awaiting the Russian attack, which will be made either frontally against the bridge-heads or by an out-flanking move across the Vistula. Polish military circles believe that a frontal attack by the Russians can be shattered, in which event the Poles will advance. It is also believed that an advance will be the best reply to an outflanking movement. Posen regiments are mainly responsible for the construction of the Polish defences. They were formerly German troops, and have done their work efficiently. Much depends upon the leadership. Hitherto the Polish troops have suffered through lack of co-operation between their officers and the French officers who are attached to the various commands. The principal centres of military activity are the bridgeheads, where there is much movement of finely mounted cavalry. The most notable figure rs a bareheaded woman.

Owing io the censorship, and the cessation of Parliamentary proceedings, it is difficult to learn what is transpiring politically, but there is little doubt that Danowski aims at overthrowing the Government. He delivered a speech at Posen on Thursday, demanding many reforms. Danowski has already established a so-called Government in Posen. Much depends upon the attitude of the army, which, at present, is devoted to General Pilsudski, but the Posen regiments, which are the flower of the army, may side with Danowski, and the fall of Warsaw may weaken the allegiance of the other troops. It is hinted that Danowski is hacked by an Entente Power, which sees in him the best chance of continuing the war against Russia. His chance will certainly come if Russia dictates excessive terms, but this will involve Poland in civil war, for Danowski is a reactionary, and believes in a big Poland. He long led the Polish Party in the Russian Duma, but favoured Poland remaining part of Russia. He is a bitter opponent of General Pilsudski. DESPERATE FIGHTING. BOLSHEVIK INTENTIONS. (A. * N.Z.) LONDON, Aug. Ifi. There arc conflicting accounts in regard to events nt Warsaw. The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily News" says a great struggle is in progress. Reports from Russian sources declare that there was desperate hand-to-hand fighting on Saturday in the suburbs. Heavy guns have been bombarding tbe city since Friday night. The Warsaw correspondent of the "Daily Express," telegraphing on Saturday, says a "life and death struggle" has begun. The Polish Army stands* in the positions chosen by its French advisers. The first serious test was on Friday night, when the Bolsheviks captured Rad-j zymin, which the Poles retook on Saturday. The town has since been the scene of desperate fighting between dense masses of infantry on both sides, The latest reports state that the town remains in Polish hands. The town is an important part of Warsaw's defences. Over <>o tanks participated in the fighting. The Russians are apparently searching for a weak spot. Their artillery is becoming increasingly active. The correspondent says that through Friday night fires raged in many parts of _ Warsaw. Red and i white beacon lights announced serious outbreaks. The authorities attribute these to Red agents seeking to produce a panic. The Berlin correspondent of the "Daily News" states that several hours of fierce fighting preceded the capture of Sold an in the Polish Baltic "corridor." The masses of cavalry poured in have since gone southward, apparently in order to participate in the attack on Warsaw, The battle for Soldau was fought close Io the German frontier, and was watched by thousands of Germans. Heavy guns bombarded the town all day long, and the infantry advanced at dusk. Desperate lighting took place in the woods outside the town. The German burgomaster welcomed the Russian troops and expressed the Germans' delight at their liberation from the Polish terror. The correspondent stales that the Russian commander said: "I solemnly pledge myself that we will not leave this old German territory until it has been restored to Germany." Russian military bands played German marches. The Russians issued a proclamation .slating their intention to occupy the whole of the "corridor" territory. They would not establish Soviets, but would entrust the civil administration to the former German authorities. The Germans decorated the town with German flags, and with (lowers, in honour of the Russians, who are fraternising with the inhabitants. The Russian commander has issued stern orders against military offences, including death for violence and robbery. The German Press applauds lhe.se'proofs of friendliness and warmly praises the Russian discipline. THE COUNCIL OF ACTION. DAILY SITTINGS HELD. (The Tillies) LONDON. Aug. Ifi. The LaboJir Council of Action is holding daily sittings privately, and issuing official statements to the

Press. The proposal for the formation throughout the country of local Councils of Action has been promptly tarried out in the industrial areas. Such bodies have already been formed in Sheffield, Plymonth, Gateshead-on-Tyne, Northampton, Leicester, and elsewhere. Sub-committees have been appointed to carry out the strike arrangements. The National Socialist Party approved of the proposed strike to prevent war, but rejected an amendment pledging every aid to the Council of Action on the ground that that body might declare a strike for the recognition <>!' a Soviet •Government, TROOP TRAINS HELD UP. GERMAN LABOUR ATTITUDE. (Renter) BERLIN. Auk. '«■ A Silesian newspaper reports thai German workmen, in order lo enforce their demand that the movement of Allied troops shall cease during the Husso-Polish war, sidetracked a number of French hoop trains in Upper Silesia, and placed guards over them lo prevent their proceeding.