The New York herald., 1921-05-19

must determine the future groupings OF
The nations, and the future of the world
and especially of Europe, will be de-
termined by old or new friendships.
Under these circumstances the
Treaty OF Versailles Is a document OF
infinite moment--especialiy TO the ma
tions Of the Entente. 1t binds us to-
sether when there Is so much TO divide
us. Those who treat its provisions as II
they were the sport of passion and
prejudice may not have 10 live long to
regret their hotheadedness."
THE British people shirk no part of
their responsibility under this treaty.
There are temporary difficulties which
make it difficult to spare troops. but
these ] confidently anticipate will be
over soon and | can call attention 10
the fact that at the recent conference
we intimated our readiness, if Germany
refused the terms of the allied council.
TO place the British fleet at the disposal
OF the Allies for any operation that
might be determined upon.
Ihe British Government were anN-
ious TO have the division Of Silesia
settled at the London conference. All
the facts of the plebiscite We're known.
however, our allies were not ready to
proceed with the discussion
cision given by majority OF ths Powers
who have voice under the treaty In
defining the SilesAn boundaries, what
ever that verdict may be. We fully ac-
cept the plebiscite as an Expression Of
the Wisles of the people Of Silesia but
haVlng gone into the great war and sus-
tanned gigantic losses in defence of an
old tresty to which this country was
q party, Great Britain cannot consent
70 stand by while the treaty her repre-
sentatives signed less than two years
ago is trampled upon"
The Prime Minister'S unexpected state
ment Is populary interpreted as a warm
ing TO NJ. BRAND not to go too far In
his pronouncement before the Chamber
The Westminster Gasette heads it "a
grave warning to France"
Inc Standard designates il "the Pre-
miers plain talk to the French"
Reuters Limited says. Regret is ex-
pressed AT to-days news from Washing
ton that the United States Government
finds itself unable to participate in the
settlement OF the Upper Silesian ques-
ton on the ground that ii is essentially
European matter. Both from an eco
nomic standpoint and from the viewpoint
OF maintaining law and order this aues-
ton. with its possibilities of far reach
ms toliseQurilCoS, ~ lilOugnt TO De one
not only of European but of worldwide
Importance"
While no informal invitation to par
ticipate in the settlement of the dispute
has been forwarded 10 the State De-
partment at Washington il is clearly
understood that the British Government
would warmly welcome the cooperation
of the American Ambassador with the
Allies in their deliberations"
Dispatches to the London newspapers
that the United States would not par
ticipate We're received only late tonight.
IL is possible that the meeting of the
Supreme Council TO consider the question
OF Upper Silesia may be postponed few
days beyond the week end, chiefly due to
the shortness OF the interval between the
assembly tomorrow Of the French Par
lament, before which Premier BRAND
viii make an llnporta..t speech, and the
tentative date for tn council conference.
II the su,nmonine of the council is de-
layed. a meeting D, tween Premiers Lloyd
George and BRAND for informal conver-
sation is not unlikely. Lloyd George
plans to spend the week end at the sea-
coast In the event the council does not