PEACE WITH RUSSIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20001, 17 July 1920, Page 9

PEACE WITH RUSSIA.

ALLIES’ PROPOSALS. CONFERENCE IN LONDON. By Telegraph—Pres* Association— Copyright Router’s Telegrams. (Received July 17, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, July 14. In the House of Commons, Mr Bonur Law read the telegram sent by tho British Govcrnnieni to the Soviet Government on July 11, proposing an immediate Russo-Polish armistice, whereby the Polish armies would immediately withdraw to the eastern boundary of Poland and, as soon as possible thereafter, representatives of Soviet Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and B’inland would assemble in London, under tho auspices of the Peace Conference, to negotiate a final peace between Russia and its neutral States. Representatives of East Galicia also would be invited to tho conference. The British Government also proposed a fiimultnneons armistice between tbo Soyiet forces and General Wrangel, on tho basis that General Wrangol’a forces immediately retire from the Crimea, which would be neutral during the armistice, and that General Wrangel be invited to London to discuss the future of his troops and refugees, but he would not bo a member of tho conference. The British Government binds itself not to assist Poland In any purpose hostile to Russia, and to take no action itself hostile to Russia. She is also bound under the Covenant of the League of Nations to defend tbo integrity of Poland within certain frontiers. If, therefore, tb© Soviet Government, despite its repeated declarations, is not content with the withdrawal of the Polish armies from Russia, on the condition of a mutual armistice, and intends to take action hostile to Poland, in Poland’s own territory, the British Government and the Allies will feel hound to assist Poland to defend its existence with all tho means at their disposal. The Polish Government declared its willingness to make peace with Soviet Russia, and to negotiate for an armistice on tho above basis, us soon as it is informed that the Soviet Government also agrees. The British Government hod stated that it would be glad of a definite reply within a week. Replying to Mr Asquith, Mr Bonar Law said this message was sent fcy wireless to Moscow with tho knowledge and approval of the Allies.