POLISH SITUATION

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160723, 9 August 1920, Page 9

POLISH SITUATION

RUSSIA AND BRITAIN EXCHANGE OP NOTES. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received August 9, 5.45 a.m. Reuter. i LONDON, August 6. Kamenoff sent Mr Lloyd George a communication from the Soviet Government, stating that Viscount Curzon’s Note of Jnly 20, and the Polish Foreign Minister’s telegram to Moscow of the 22nd, both proposed negotiations for an armistice and peace, but when the Polish delegates arrived at Baranovichi it was found they were empowered to deal only witii military problems, and their limited powers did not correspond to the tasks with which the conference was to deal. Kamenoff's Note adds: It is essential to demand guarantees such as partial disarmament, and the cessation of recruiting, which, will prevent the using of the period of the armistice for a renewal of hostilities. International law in no wise required the suspension of operations before the conclusion of an armistice. The continuation of the Bolshevik advance would in no wise prejudice the nature of the Peace Treaty. The Note concludes by renewing the Soviet’s pledge with respect to Poland’s independence to grant wider frontiers than those indicated by tho Supreme Council and the British. Note of the 20th, and insists that the proposed London Conference be solely between Soviet Russia and the loading Entente Powers. POLES CLAIM SUCCESSES Received Aug, 9, 10.10 a-m. LONDON, Aug. 7. A Polish communique suggests that the Polish counter-move continues in the neighbourhood of Drobiezyu, and it is gaining grenmd. The Poles succeeded in driving hack the enemy, who crossed the Bug, to the north bank again. Particularly fierce fighting took place at the River Sereth, Bolshevik attacks being repulsed, while the Ukrainian detachments successfully continue to counter-attack. The communique declares that the town of Brody was completely sacked by the Bolsheviks. POLES AND GERMANS AT VARIANCE A MUTUAL BOYCOTT. Received Aug. 9. 10.10 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 7. The relations between the Germans and the Poles at Danzig are becoming more strained. Following on a decision by German workmen not to discharge vessels bringing munitions for Poland, the Poles in Pomerania, including railwaymen, have now ceased to transport food supplies to Dantzig from Poland. The stoppage is complete, and it is feared will lead to the suspension of industries and an economic crisis.

WIRELESS INTERRUPTED. Received Aug. 9. 10.10 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 7 . At Warsaw it is officially alleged that the Moscow wireless station twice declined to receive the latest Polish Note on the pretext, firstly, of alteration of hours for the reception of messages, and, secondly, atmospheric disturbances, which the Poles state are non-existent. ITALY'S INTEREST Received August 9. 9.40 a.in. LONDON, August 8. A Geneva message states that Signor Giolliti will shortly confer with Mr Lloyd George in Switzerland on the Eusso-Polish question. BOLSHEVIKS REFUSE BRITISH TERMS BLOCKADE WEAPON READY. Received August 9. 9.40 a.m. LONDON, August 8. An Exchange Telegraph message confirms the report of the Bolsheviks’ unwillingness to accept the British proposals, and. foreshadows a blockade unless they arc accepted within 48 hours.

SOVIET’S ARMISTICE TERMS Received—August 9. 10.35 a.m. LONDON, An just 8. The Soviet delegation in London announces that it informed the British Government last week that Russia undertakes to begin the withdrawal of troops to the line fixed by the Allied Supreme. Council immediately after Poland’s acceptance of the armistice terms, which deal principally with the reduction of Poland’s armed strength. Russia also undertakes to considerably reduce the Soviet troops holding this line, provided that the Allies, particularly France, undertake not to support anv advance against Russia on any front, and to arrange for the withdrawal of Wrangel’s army from the Crimea. SOVIET NOTE TO ENTENTE Received—August 9, 10.35 a.m. LONDON, August 8. The Soviet Note, which the Allied Conference is considering; states that the announcement of Poland’s belated decision to resume negotiations for au armistice and peace preliminaries, which were broken off at Baronovitch, reached Moscow half an hour before the British request for a truce. The Soviet Government immediately replied, arranging for a meeting of armistice delegates at Minsk on Wednesday. The Note adds that the Soviet Government believes the British Government null acknowledge the cessation of hostilities and Poland’s full independence, by which the British Government’s aims will be attained in the speediest and simplest way by direct negotiations resuming at Minsk. AMERICA’S ATTITUDE SYMPATHISES BUT WON’T FIGHT. Received Aug. 9, 12.10 p.m. WASHINGTON, Aug. 8. It is expected that an announcement outlining the United States’ policy concerning Poland and Russia will be issued shortly. It is believed America will look askance upon any decision by the conference between M. Millerand and Mr Lloyd

George to make war on the Soviet within the boundaries of Russia. The United States, however, will sympathise with any decision to give aid to Poland. The American Government feels that opposition would develop here should any attempt be made to have the United States participate in a European war. Official circles point out that any movement that would injure the integrity of Russia would not receive the support of the United States, and British recognition of Esthonia is, therefore, considered a mistake. NO TRUCE SOVIET WILL NEGOTIATE DIRECT. Received Aug. 9, 12.10 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 8. The Central News states that the Russians did not agree to a tendays’ truce with Poland. The Soviet’s official reply states that it is resuming, on Wednesday, direct negotiations with Poland for an armistice and peaceThe Soviet blames Poland for the long delay. POLISH GOVERNMENT LEAVES WARSAW FORTS OF CITY UNDER FIRE. ’ Received Aug. 9, 12.10 p.m. BERLIN, Aug. 7. The Polish Government has arrived at Cracow. The Russians have been shelling the outer forts on the north side of Warsaw since Friday, the Polish batteries returning the fire.