POLISH SITUATION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160710, 24 July 1920, Page 3

POLISH SITUATION.

PEACE OF WORLD THREATENED STATEMENT BY MR LLOYD GEORGE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—-Copyright. LONDON, July 22. Speaking in the House of Commons, when making a statement regarding the Spa Conference, Mr Lloyd George said the question of Poland had given the Allies great anxiety. The Polish attack on Russia was reckless and foolish. The only excuse was the Bolsheviks’ interference with Polish affairs. Poland was legitimately afraid of Soviet Russia, and was anxious to have a buffer State. Mr Lloyd George, continuing his statement, said an independent Poland was essential to the whole fabric of peace. If the Bolshevists overran Poland they would march right up to the German frontier. That would be a great temptation to Germany. It would afford a cheap way for the Germans to escape their obligations. There were milauns of trained men in Germany. The effect of the Bolshevists overrunning Poland might be to deprive the Allies of the fruits of victory. Therefore the Allies had concluded they must take steps to arrest the destruction of Poland and the march of the Bolshevists’ armies through Poland. The Note sent from Spa to the Soviet Government was sent with the full consent of the Allies. It was made clear to Poland by the Allies that they would assist Poland to defend her own frontiers and her own independence. Tire Polish Premier undertook to withdraw the Polish army to the legitimate frontiers of Poland and defend the frontiers and seek peace on that basis. Mr Lloyd George described the Soviet Government’s reply as ambiguous, and largely propaganda. So far as he understood it, the Soviet said they were willing to negotiate with Poland directly.. They alleged that the Allies had treated Poland badly in fixing boundaries. They wanted to give more to Poland, and promised tc consider an axmistice in a friendly spirit Apparently they were only prepared to discuss the matter wioa a proletariat Government. The Soviet were not entitled to dictate to Poland what sort of Government it shunVl have. In order to test the Soviet’s bona fides the Allies advised Poland id apply to the Soviet for an armistice with a view to making peace. In our reply to Moscow we were bound to make it clear that if, despite the Polish application for an armistice, Russian armies still marched on, we would give Poland such assistance as we could. We were hound to do everything in our power to avert the wiping out of Poland, which would be fatal to the peace of Europe. The Premier stated that the Russian delegates coming to England would remain at Reval pending the Soviet’s further reply. Peace was a question of time, however pressing, and Franco had sent envoys to Poland to investigate the question of assisting the people to defend their frontiers. Mr Lloyd George, replying to questions, (V.cianneu British responsibility for Wran gel’s operations. The Bolshevik reply offered an amnesty to Wrangel, Wo were anxious for peace on the basis of the ;ndn cadence of Poland. He referred to the lals** impression in Russia as 'og.iuri the British, which made negotiations for peace almost impossible. He be lhvccl the Bolsheviks would be greatly mistaken if they invaded Poland, wheri the forces were more formidable than they imagined. MR ASQUITH SUPPORTS ALLIES’ POLICY. LONDON, July 23. Mr Asquith, while regretting that the Powers had not succeeded in preventing (Poland from embarking upon a foolish adventure, agreed that Poland must net bo overrun by the Bolsheviks. Hie Allies should take steps on the initiative of the League of Nations. Mr Lloyd George, intervening, said one of the most vehement portions of the Bolshevik reply was refusal to have anything to do with the League. AS. EXPECTED, REDS WANT TO RETAIN VILNA. LONDON, July 22. Latest reports state that the Bolsheviks and Lithuanians have quarrelled over the possession of Vilna. The Reds refuse to hand over the city, and have begun civil administration. The Lithuanians have declined to co-operate further ;jivuh Hie Bolsheviks against Poland.' They have also refused to ratify the Ponce Treaty with Russia. The Bolsheviks were allowed to occupy "Vilna under agreement Lithuanians, to facilitate their operations against Poland, and undertaking to withdraw from the town afterwards. PERSONNEL OF BRITISH MISSION. PARIS, July 22. Sir Maurice Hankey and. General Rad cliffe are accompanying Wegand’s mission to Poland on behalf of Britain. BRITISH NOTE TO RUSSIA. LONDON, July 22. A British Not© to Russia points out several inaccuracies in the Soviet reply. It also announces that Britain, in view of the Soviet's willingness to grant an armistice, advised Poland to ask for an armistice. The Note adds: Britain believes the Soviet will grant peace on fair terms; waives the suggestion of a London conference of the League of Nations; and issues a denial of the Daily News’ statement. It points out that the League offered mediation between Poland and the Soviet; that the subject was never brought before the League; and that the suggestion that any member of the League’s secretariat endeavoured to persuade Eoumania or any other country to undertake hostilities against Russia was entirely false.