POLAND

Timaru Herald, Issue 170299, 18 August 1920, Page 7

POLAND

BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE

COUNCIL OF ACTION CONDEMNED.

By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Ileutor's Telegrams. Received 11.10 p.m., August 17th

_ LONDON, Aug. 1(3. In tho Mouse of Commons, Mr Pemberton Billing drew attention to resolutions threatening a general strike m tlie event o.t : military measures being taken against Russia, which he described as tantamount to a Labour dictatorship under tlio name of the Council of Action. Mr Billing asked if the' time had not come to terminate an organisation for industrial disturbance for the purpose of achieving political ends. A. i' Lloyd George said the Government's policy appeared in no wise to suffer from the Labour Conference. This disx>laj l of the sledge hammer at the open door was only intended for display. Any attempt to dictate a policy to the Government or Parliament by industrial action struck at the root of the 'democratic constitution of Britain, and would be resisted with ail the forces at the Government's disposal.

Mr Bonar Law, in moving the adjournment until October 19tli with a proviso that the House might be convened earlier if desirable, said that nothing had occurred since the adjornment, except what had appeared in the newspapers. Tho Government's policy regarding the Polish-Russian question had been laid down in the clearest possible manner by the Prime 'Minister. There was not tlie slightest foundation for the suggestion that the Government's policy had been altered by any expression of public opinion," or by any action of the body calling itself the Council of Action. There had not been the slightest deviation from the begining in the British attitude towards the PolishR.ussian war. Tho Government's message to the British representative in Warsaw for conveyance to the Poles laid it down that we would not interfere if tho Russian terms were genuine, and it went no further than that. The message was communicated simultaneously to tho Allies, and the Italian 'Government telegraphed its entire approval of the step taken.

Mr Bonar Law stated that M. Kamiueff yesterday sent the Prime Minister a letter that the terms sul.m.vtad to us would not be altered. In the event of a contingency arising which' was not anticipated, the Government would take no action until the fiotse of Commons had been convened and its approval obtained. A DEFINITE PROMISE. Mr Bonar Law concluded: "Tlie world's one need to-day is peace. It is not our business to determine the form of government of any country except our:'own. The Prime Minister tendered the Poles advice, and emphasised that the Government w'Tt not lend Britain to any warlike operations except ou grounds so plain and obvious that the whole country will be behind it."

FRENCH ASSISTANCE ASSERTED. BOLSHEVIKS CHECKED. Received 8.10 p.m., Aug. 17th. LONDON, Aug. 16. The "Morning Post's" Warsaw correspondent asserts that French assistance is en route to Warsaw. The Polish offensive on the northern front held up the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks cannot begin a new drive until they have rebuilt railways, roads, and bridges behind the front, which is considered impossible before French help arrives. ' The population of Warsaw was greatly encouraged by cheering reports of crucial fighting.

THE REDS ADVANCING. BERLIN, Aug. 16. According to newspaper reports the Russian advance in the Polish corridor continues. Numerous small towns have been entered, including the im-J portant fortress of Thorn. FIGHTING NEAR THE CITY. POLES HOLDING THEIR OWN. Received 9.50 p.m., August 17th. LONDON, August 1.7. The "Daily Express s" Warsaw correspondent states that on . Sunday a Bolsiievik patrol crossed the Vistula south of Thorn, threatening to unm the Warsaw defences. Polish cavalry forced them to recross.

Bolshevik artillery heavily bombarded Stanislova, eight miles east of Warsaw. Tho artillery began to advance. A Polish division attacked, and corn'pelled the enemy to retire. Fierce fighting continues at liadzimin. Tlie final result is still in doubt. The Poles in the south-west sector have had the better of the fighting, but it is too early to say what v:ll be the outcome.

WARSAW NOT TAKEN B1 KL^S The correspondent, telegraphing on Monday, describes the Polish troojis' enthusiasm. The despatch disposes ot the unconfirmed rumours that tne Bolsheviks occupied Warsaw on taundav. POLES M\Kl\G STVBBORN DEPJ NCr * • The Times. ' Received 1.15 a.m.. August 18. .LONDON, August 17. Ber'l in reports savage fighting' for Warsaw, the Poles stubbornly resisting and fighting better than was ex--petted. The capture presents greater dift'icultict- shaii the Reds expected. Crowded •congregations) offered prayers for .victory in the Warsaw churches on Sunday.