New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-24
Deadlock Over Question

From The TrIbune's Euyoped1, Bureau
Copyright. 1921. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, July 23.-The British and
French governments appear to be dead
locked over the Silesian question
Premier Lloyd George presses for 8
meeting Of the Supreme Council within
fortnight, but Premier BRAND insists
that the holding of such conference
now is impossible, because troops and
not talk are needed to dispose of the
difficulties in hand.
Anglo-French relations have been
strained for several months despite the
attempt made in official circles to make
It appear that everything is going
smoothly. The events of the last
month have made for further bad feel
ing. Brands political position is
good, but even he doesn't seem to be
entirely satisfied with the course that
events are taking.
Several issues are at stake between
England and France besides Silesia,
Importance. Among these is the atti-
tude toward Germany. A story origi-
mating in Italy and repeated here is
that France has been giving Poland a
large subsidy to maintain a big army
which will secure the settlement of
the Silesian question. The British who
are unfriendly toward France say that
such a move is directed solely against
Germany.
Refusal to Call Meeting
Another reason advanced here to ex-
plain Brands refusal to call meeting
OF the Supreme Council is that the
British would press for the removal OF
the penalties inflicted on Germany on
the Rhine some months ago.
Another report being widely circu-
lated is that the French are encouraging
the Baltic states to start operations
against the Bolsheviki early in the fall
This report may be entirely false. and
there are several reasons why it should
be regarded with suspicion, but the very
fact that it is circulated is indicative of
the unsatisfactory state of Anglo
French relations
According to high French auth GRITTY
Premier BRAND is hostile to the fur
ther use of the military in European
expeditions, and his attitude is sup
ported by a majority in the French
Senate and by big financial and bust
ness interests. But the French For
w
the view that the country must main
tain large military establishment.
The course of events will prove
whether this correct Interpretation
OF the situation, but there is doubt
ABOUT the sharpness of the division of
opinion IN the French official world.
British Policy Clear
The British policy is clearly defined.
anything which interferes with the or
aerly resumption of normal relations
Is condemned here.
Unless these points of friction can
&c eliminated prior TO the information
u disarmament conference in Wash
,sn ing President Harding is going TO
INA European questions coming up
aeout the time the discussion starts.
france now maintains the largest
army IN the world. Detachments of ii
are to be found all over the earth, from
mdo-China TO Asia Minor and from
soiand TO Africa. Great Britain, too
oesplte substantial reductions in her
military personnel, still has a large
army and a powerful navy. Financial
.sasons dictate sweeping reductions in
suese costly establishments, but IL in
sensational political arrangements re-
asla IN the present unsettled state, 1t
x dlfticult to see how the Washington
"Merence can make any progress
Within the last week there has been
q ssndency TO get down to the prac-
ssai features of the forthcoming con-
sesence, and the more these fine points
&c ssudled the more difficult they seem
- solution. Those who are interested
e subject of disarmament on moral
,~ $50 IMAM on financial grounds have
great faith in the possibilities of the
sWon1erence, because they believe that
,m ,sa, will prove a better place to
a.Ale difficulties than London, Paris
sny ether European capital.