DIVISION OF SILESIA

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 5

DIVISION OF SILESIA

OPINION IN LONDON A VERY FAIR DECISION. CALMER FEELING IN GERMANY. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, October 13. The aulhorilalivc opinion in London is thai the decision of the League of Nations regarding Upper Silesia is very fair. Germany and Poland are expected to accepl il in absolute loyalty, and l.h • Supreme Council will not be affected in the slightest by any attempt by either party to obtain modifications. The French press is pleased with the decision, and declares that the excitement in Germany will probably die clown when the Germans reflect that they are rebelling not against the decisions of France, but against the sentence of a world tribunal.

The League of Nations explains that the delegates for Belgium, Brazil, China and Spain decided that Silesia was a problem which could not be solved by drawing a line based purely on plebiscite or economic considerations: therefore il was decided there must be adequate safeguards against the disruption of the existing economic conditions. The scheme includes the impartial management of the railways, water anil electric light for a term of years, and the abolition of Customs duties on such products as coal. MERLIN, October 13.

Many Germans are preparing to flee from Upper Silesia, fearing Polish attacks.

Views in responsible circles over Silesia are calmer. The Cabinet is awaiting official news before taking an} drastic step. The Vorwacrts takes a commonsense view. While admitting the, excitement in Germany is justifiable and that it is true Germany's ability to meet her reparation obligations is further reduced by the Silesian decision, the Yorwaerts points out that any suggestion to follow Russia's example of the repudiation fif obligations would be disastrous to Die nation, politically and economically. The Treaty of Versailles stipulated for tlie surrender of the whole of Upper Silesia, but the Republic's efforts had saved a portion.

The Bavarian Democratic Parly has ! issued a manifesto refusing to accept ; the Silcsian decision, and asking other parlies to adopt this standpoint. Financiers arc taking steps to prevent, the withdrawal of marks from Upper Silesia into Poland. It is reported that the great banks are already withdrawing all currency to prevent further depreciation of the mark if I lie Poles secure large quantities of German notes.