Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-08-13
u. S. CONSIDERING

Washington, Aug. 12-Moved by
the reiterated pleas for aid from the
Polish government the War Depart
ment had under serious consideration
today the request Of Prince Lubor-
mirsky. Polish minister, for permits
sion to purchase war materials from
the United States.
After successive conferences yes
terday and today between the Polish
and Secretary Colby the State depart
ment also took UP the problem of
finding means OF re-invigorating the
fast ebbing strength of the Polish
state and thereby of fulfilling the as
surance of support to the Poles con-
tanned in the recent American note
to the Italian ambassador.
Asks Recruiting Of Poles
Polish officials here explained today
that in addition to the desire for war
materials, they were most anxious to
| obtain authorization Of the United
States to permit recruiting by Poles
in America for the Polish army 1t
was said that not only had many Of
fers of enlistment been received by
the legati from Polish citizens, res
ident in the United States, but many
,, offers had come from former Amer
lean veterans of the world war.
The Polish government, it was said
officially at the legation tonight had
| not made formal request for the
extension to it of so unusual a priv
llege. AT the same time, it was con-
| ceqed, the privilege was one of which
Poland would gladly avail herself if
| rendered by the United States.
Possible Way Out
While a statute forbids enlistment
armed expeditions in the United
States for employment against
friendly power. some officials claimed
the President had authority to sus-
pend operation of the law under his
war time powers. The raising of re-
cruits by Poland under the leadership
of Paderewski before the United
States entered the war, it was recall
ed, was agreed to by the American
government and large numbers Of
Poles enlisted to fight under the AL
F.! lies were removed from the United
States and trained in Canada and
abroad.
Minister to Poland on WAY to.
/ Warsaw
In order that the United States gov
eminent may keep in more intimate
touch with developments in Poland.
Hugh Gibson. American minister to
Poland. who has been home on leave,
| will depart tomorrow for his post in
Warsaw. Mr.. Gibson will be accom-
| panied by Warren B. Robbins, acting
| chief Of the division of Near Eastern
affairs. who has been temporarily as
signed as chancellor of the legation.
The official communique announcing
the intention of the French govern
ment to recognize as a de facto gov
eminent that represented by General
Wrangel in south Russia was receiv-
ed here today in official circles.
Officers consider the French step as
logical in view of the formal success
sion of General Wrangel 70 authority
of Admiral Kolchak and the Omsk
government which was recognized by
! both France and Great Britain
U. S. May Follow French Step
Without foreshadowng similar
step by the U1ited States. officials de-
clared that the action of France was
in no way inconsistent with the policy
towards Russia advocated in the
American note to the Italian annbas-
sador. The American government, it
| was recalled. while not having recog-
nized Kolchak, at one time endeavored
earnestly 70 place Kolchak in posi-
ton "in which he might be recog
nized."
| Reports that Frances recognition of
Wrangers government had led to de-
cided differences between Premiers
Lloyd-George and Millerand generally
, We're minimized in official circles here.
1t was recalled that Lloyd-George in
his speech in the House of Commons
Tuesday suggested as a contingency
lin case other measures to *ecure peace
between the Poles and Bolsheviki fail
ed, British support be given Wrangel
| through the delivery of var supplies
! and active assistance of the navy.
Some officials interpreted the precfpi-
| tate action of France as a strategic
movement to force the Bolsheviki to
| acquiesce in the admittance of repre-
sentatives Of wrangel to che proposed