The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-08-31
LATE ALLIES OUT OF HARMONY

Those nations which recently were
in complete accord in their determine
ton to give Germany the drubbing to
which her action had justly entitled
her now are sadly out of harmony on
the Russo-Polish question.
The United States, for instance,
tells Poland that she must not cross
her photographic boundary in pursuit
Of the fleeing Bolsheviki; France tells
her to go as far as she likes, while
England figuratively is sitting on the
fence. Lloyd George probably would
like to side with MilIerand but is
afraid of the British labor party At
this time publicly he is leaning toward
the side of America
So the world powers continue to
muddle the Russian situation as they
have done from the outset
Poland's position has been set forth
in statement made by Ignace Pad
erewski to the London correspondent
of the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
Poland's first premier not only denied
the charge that Poland is making war
on Russia" but declared "she contin-
ues the action which the allies be-
gan" and she expects the civilized
world will not leave her alone"
Paderewski said in part:
Aware of the true conditions exist
ing under the regime of the Bolshe-
visits. the entente nations from the first
month when the Bolshevists obtained
their hold on Russia made consider
aDle attempts to help the Russian peo-
pie establish normal conditions How
ever, all the enterprises OF Judenich
kolchak and Denikin resulted in to-
tai failures. OF all the forces which
fought Bolshevist rule, Poland alone
is now in the field
There was a moment when the Boil
shevists were surrounded by the Jude
Mich, kolchak and Denikin armies
when their materials were exhausted
and the means of transportation great
" impaired, when the soviets were
willing to offer peace under very
tempting conditions Some intima-
tions to that effect were made to the
Polish government in August of last
year.
The principal allied and associated
powers were Immediately approac hed.
and the supreme council was asked
what should be done. whether peace
ought to be concluded or war contin-
ued. On behalf of the supreme coun-
ell, NJ. Clemenceau answere that
sible So the war went on. and 1t
could not be otherwise. because at the
time the entente powers were still
supporting Judenich. Kolchak. and
particularly Denikin with arms and
munitions. and even with some of their
expert and gallant officers.
The defeat of Judenich and Kol-
chak, without changing the internal
situation of Russia. strengthened the
authority of the soviet government
b. TIA. =
them militarily in the highest degree.
and the enormous quantity of NUM-
tions. light and heavy artillery. rail-
road trucks. tanks. airplanes. and new
rolling stock fell to the Bolshevists
While gathering all these trophies
in enormous quantities in the Ukraine
the Bolshevists made their well known
peace offer to Poland in January. The
entente powers were Immediately con-
suited. but declined to give any advice
and left for Poland alone the entire
responsibility for the decision. In this
grave moment Poland was inclined 70
peace. But the peace offer made by
the BOlshevists was but a subterfuge.
Poland does not wage war on Rus
STA. She simply opposes her forces
against those whom kolchak. Jude
Mich and Denikin. themselves good
Russian patriots. were fighting for al
most two years. She continues the
action which her allies began. The
last Polish counter-offensive was not
a wanton attack. it was only the deveI-
-opment OF a state of war which has
existed a long while.