The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-19
FRENCH IGNORE
BRITISH STAND
Paris Protests to Berlin on In
vaSion of SileSia.
Control of Situation Snatched
Out of English Hands.
LLOYD GEORGE GETS BACKING
Papers of London Almost Solid
for the Premier.
British Want Spirit, French
Want Letter of Versailles Pact.
LLOYD GEORGE GETS BACKING

The Franco British war of words
continued today.
Each backed by regiments of news
papers, the premiers of the two ma
tions directed a heavy fire of state
mept and opinion on the proper divi-
sion of Upper Silesia between Ger
many and Poland.
Premier Lloyd Georges offensive of
yesterday when he reiterated his as
sertion that Germany had as much
right as Poland to invade Silesia was
met by prompt counter attack.
Its a fit Of i'll temper" Premier
BRAND declared caustically.
France practically snatched the ST.
lesian situation out of Britain's hands
today with a note to Berlin demand
ing that unorganized German bands
be kept out of Silesia. Britain, which
has protested at Frances benevolent
neutrality" when Polish insurgents in
vaded Silesia, was not consulted.
French leaders frankly desire Po-
land to acquire the richest section of
Upper Silesia. The British declare
they want the region partitioned ac-
cording to the recent plebiscite re-
turns. They feared that Polish pos
session would hurt the industries
there and would rob Germany of one
of her greatest assets in paying her
indemnity to the allies.
Upper Silesia meanwhile lay starv-
ing. Germans controlling the rail
ways refused to send in supplies to
support the invading Pores. Sporadic
fighting occurred but the region for
the most part was quiet with the Pol
ish insurgents holding a line which
included the richest portion of the
district.
korfanty Backs Down.
London. May 19.-Information re-
ceived in official circles states that
the Polish consul general at Beuthen
has informed the interallied plebiscite
commission that Adelbert Korfanty,
leader of the Polish outbreak, has is
sued proclamation to the people of
Upper Silesia to surrender their arms,
resume work and avoid military con-
tact with the Germans. He declares
also that ten thousand men have been
demobilized.
Premier Lloyd George again gained
the support of the British press today
in his new warning to France and Po-
land in the Silesian dispute. With the
exception of the Post, which was vio-
lently antagonistic to the premier.
London newspapers heartily approved
his assertion that children of the
treaty will not be allowed to break
crocllery with impunity."
II was learned authoritativeIy that
so far as Silesia is concerned. British
officialdom is interpreting the spirit
rather than the language of the Yer
sailles treaty. Lloyd George and 9TH
ers consider the Franco-Polish inter-
probation s grossly unfair
Britain. it was stated. will not pro
pose a boundary line for Germans and
Poles in Silesia but will rely on the
fairness and the knowledge of the al
lied plebiscite commission to arrange
a compromise which will distribute the
area equitably.
France Ignores Britain.
Paris. May 19.-Ignoring Britain in
the Upper Silesian controversy, the
French government today sent a note
to Berlin protesting against the en-
trance of unorganized German bands
into Silesia. The note intimated that
Germany should close her frontiers.
Premier BRAND of France, today re-
iterated his statement of Saturday
flinging down the gauntlet to Great
Britain. Il stand on what said Sat
urday," he declared after reading Pre-
mier Lloyd Georges warning of yes
terday There's nothing in the Yer
sailles treaty saying the Germans shall
get the rich mining district of Upper
Silesia while the Poles get the remain
der"
BRAND made his statement prior to
entering the Palais Bourbon to make
a defense of his foreign policies It's
only a little furry of bad humor on
the premier's part" he said. with a
smile. 1T will pass soon-there's no
harm in it. 1 don't care = enter into
a controversy. France cannot remain
neutral if Germany is permitted to in
wade Upper Silesia."