SUPREME COUNCIL

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1921, Page 5

SUPREME COUNCIL

THE SILESIAN QUESTION. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. MOST MENACING PROBLEM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Paris, August 9. General Allen, American commandant on the Rhine, attended the Council. Various Allied military experts unfolded their views on the question of the security of the troops in Silesia.

After this Mr. Lloyd George explained his views on the problem generally, declaring that it was the most menacing ever placed before the Council. Britain and Italy held similar views, whereas France differed from them. Whilst wishing to accommodate existing differences, he was convinced a settlement must not be made at the expense of the majority of the population and the Powers concerned. Any attempt on the basis of the plebiscite vote to manoeuvre the German population out of Silesia would recoil upon its authors, and Britain would never support such a settlement.

Mr. Lloyd George suggested that fresh instructions be given to experts to discuss the matter on the following lines: 1. One vote one value; as he was not prepared to accept the argument that the peasant vote should outweigh the artisan vote. 2. That the industrial area which was German by two to one should go to Germany. 3. That contiguous areas should be analysed to show which communes were vitally connected with the industrial areas. He appreciated the weight attached by France to the consideration of her security. The Council should give careful thought to the French views. Mr. Lloyd George thought France would only add to her danger, not to her seeur- > ty, by following her proposed course in Silesia. In the last war France had a just cause and the world would always support her if her cause was just. The Allies came to the aid of France when she was unjustly oppressed, but the British Empire was not going to 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. France had nothing to fear if she used moderation and equity. General Lerond. expounding the views of French experts, said the situation was grave. They must, not lose sight of the fact that the Allied contingents were endangered, owing to the presence of camouflaged German organisations. The situation demanded a prompt solution. Sir Harold Stuart, British High Commissioner, denied that danger was imminent, but agreed that the presence of German organisations would be a danger if they were attacked by the Poles; then the Allied contingents would be insufficient to deal with the situation. General Marines (Italy) echoed Sir Harold Stuart’s views. FRENCH PREMIER’S REPLY. DEFENCE OF POLES’ RIGHTS. HOPES OF A SOLUTION. Received August 10, 9.30 p.m. London, August 10. M. Briand, replying to Mr. Lloyd George, said France had no ulterior motives in her designs regarding the division of Upper Silesia. She only desired to carry out the Versailles Treaty fairly, but thought that in matters where there was 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 a provision that in cases of doubt moral consideration should be 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 be found.

M. Bonomi said the question was purely economic, depending on whether the industrial area was united or not. The Council resumes on Wednesday. Paris reports state that everyone in the city is optimistic that a settlement will be reached o ur hig the week.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. IMPORTANCE OF SILESIA. INFLUENCE ON FUTURE EVENTS. Received August 10, 9.30 p.m. London, August 10. The Morning Post’s Berlin correspondent states that Herr Theodore Wolff discusses the Paris situation in the Tageblatt. He says: “The English know what is at stake, and the programme is amply laden. Will it be forgotten that the future shaping of all problems will be affected by the decision regarding Upper Silesia, and that the province is one of those sensitive posts whose upheavals are felt at a distance? It is a French myth that the industrial district of Upper Silesia will be the German workshop in future wars, but it is true that the fates have great spinning works there.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LONDON PRESS VIEWS. NECESSITY FOR A DECISION. Received August 10, 8.30 p.m. London, August 9. The Daily Telegraph says Uppt.’ Silesia has been poisoning our diplomacy too long already, and has inflicted ruinous damage to the economy of Central Europe. It is true that a revival of industry is never possible in Silesia while its fate is undecided, as it has been since the Treaty of Versailles. 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, and if the full text could reach the ears of the French public as delivered it would go far to dispel the 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 Supreme Council should act promptly. If Allied unanimity is made clear their decision will 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.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assn.