Evening star., 1921-08-18
BY PAUL SCOTT MOWRER.
By Cabls to The STAR and Chicago Daily New
Copvri0ht 1921

By Cabls to The star and Chicago Daily NeWS.
Copyright. 1921.
PARIS, August lS-What impress
aion has been created at the head
quarters OF the league OF nations by
the reference Of the Silesian dispute
to the league council and what pro-
a settlement? The following answer
to these timely questions has been
made especially for The Star and the
Daily News. and. although unofficial.
may be taken as authentic:
1.-THE reference of the Silesian prob
lem to- the league has created the
deepest interest and qualification
among all connected with the league.
for IT demonstrates the belief that the
league can act as an impartial body
In one Of the most serious disputes
now threatening International peace.
While the league has studfous1y re-
Trained from any attempt to enforce
the treaty of Versailles. 1t cannot he
called to render a decision based on
Justice and equity in any dispute.
whether arising from the treaty of
Versailles or not.
: France and England DeadlOcked.
'In this particular case it is pecu-
liarly interesting that France and
Britain. two of the most powerful ma
q complete deadlock. should be forced
to turn to the league as the only
means Of securing an equitable out
como. Supporters of the league have
always contended that it was just at
this point when two nations reach d
deadlock that the league should be-
gin to operate. 1t has never been
thought that the league was an in
stYument of preliminary negotiations
or that IT should. in any way. replace
direct negotiations between states. Its
great value has been held to be that it
remains in the background. always
ready to play its role when the situa-
tion dema nds"
"At the same time. there is no de-
sire to .onceal the dangers involved
in, the attempt to settle the Silesian
dispute. Whatever the league de-
cides. it is certain to awaken hostility
on one side or the other. for II it
seems to favor the Poles the Germans
sill complain. and il it seems to favor
the Germans the Poles will be dis
undoubtedly got hold of the bears
tail. but 1t has to keep hold. without
regard to the consequences, and try to
make the decision as fair as possible
in case already rendered almost
hopeless by long procrastination.
EARLY Action Expected.
For the moment the problem is en-
tirely new to the league and the
method Of procedure is being studied
with much care. 1t should be noticed
that the case has been brought before
the nation, not as one endangering the
peace. but as one in which the judg-
ment Of the league,is requested. The
League. therefore, has considerable
freedom Of procedure. but naturally
it will proceed cautiously. Discus
sion Is now proceeding whether to
hold a special meeting of the council
or merely advance the, date of that
already scheduled for September 1.
Whatever .s decided, action may be
looked for after the shortest possible
delay, although some time will naturally
be required for a study Of the question.
Aaland Dispute Precedent.
while there is still some uncer-
tAinty as to Just how the case will be
handled. there is, perhaps, precedent
Ia the Aalands dispute between Fin
land and Sweden. when an outside inn
partial commission, consisting Of a
Hollander. q Swiss and an American.
was appointed by the council. This
commission. which could not be inilu-
enced by outside considerations in
any way, made detailed studies In
Helsingfors, Stockholm and the is
lands, and drew up q report which