Evening star., 1921-03-20
BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

T YPoN the result of the plebi-
scite to be held today to de-
termine the future alignment
of Upper Silesia, in large
measure depends the fate of the pres
ent German government and may de-
termine the future trend of German
Political and social thought
OstensibIy when Silesians vote they
will decide whether they are to be-
come a part of Poland or of Germany.
Important as this verdict Is to the
future of Poland, which country Is in
measure dependent upon untrammeled
outlet to the port of Danzig, 1t is
equally important to Germany, FOR
should Silesia remain with Poland
then a vital blow will have been
struck at GermanXs whole economic
system, a system which is paralyzed
at the moment. This may lead to up
heavals throughout the nation which
will force the present republican gov
ernment from control and permit the
ever alert conservative monarchist
schemers to ride into power. I'm
doubtedly there would follow crys-
tallization of hatred of allied nations,
and eventually this would bring about
that which Germans are more and
more beginning to dream of-open re-
sistance to all allied peace terms. ac-
companied as this must be by war to
the bitter end.
Question Deemed Vital.
The Silesian question is one deemed
vital to Germany. Not one of the po-
litical parties having voice in the
government dares minimize the i'm
portance of retaining Silesia with its
limitless coal and mineral fields. now
that the allies practically dominate
the Ruhr. If Germany is to advance
industrially and in her own way set
tie successfully the question of indem-
mites and reparations, Germany needs
Silesia.
Should Germany obtain the Silesian
coal fields her advance may be in
sured through supplies Of coal. Ger
many would be in position to ignore
more or less allied incursions in west
ern Germany. Furthermore. Germany
would be in position. to further her
proposed alliances with the Russians.
Poland, it is believed in Berlin, would
be placed in such position that she
eventually would collapse. Germany
believes that by gaining Silesia she
would be better able to carry on her
intensive propaganda against Poland
and by closer contact gradually in
spire crumbling of Polish prestige in
eastern Europe. Germany, by con-
trolling the Silesian coal fields. could
strike at the very heart of Poland.
Germany is not reckoning on abso-
lutely certain allied assistance for the
Poles at all times, but is carried
away with the idea that east Europe
cannot resist German domination.
Poland Ia Active.
The Poles. on the other hand, know
full well that if Germany controls
Upper Silesia. their own future will
be hazarded. though Poland is firmly
convinced that even with the loss of
Silesia. she will continue to advance.
But even in Warsaw 1t issadmitted
the road will be long and tortuous
without such economic assistance as
naturally would come from Silesia.
1t is for this reason that Poland has
been as active as the Germans in ad-
vancing the Polish cause. and in this
she has been ably assisted by the
French. who would Illustrate Ger
the French who chortled in glee
when the corridor was cut to Danzig.
dividing Germany. France saw the
perpetual exclusion of Germanic
domination. The French in assisting
the Poles in plebiscite areas are fol-
lowing strictly French policy. with
tacit support of the allies.
The French and Poles charge that
the Germans are using terroristic
methods TO intimidate the F3oles and
Silesians to keep them from voting.
Germany. on the sother hand. charges
that the French and Poles never will
permit fair election and that tens
of thousands of Silesians and Ger
mans will not be permitted to vote
through the use of force.
In the meantime. 1T can be stated
with reasonable degree of assurance
that without intimidation Silesia will
cast a vote surprising the number OF
people actually resident within Si1esia
for the reason that both Poles and
Germans have imported tens of thou
sands of voters on the pretext OF
Silesian origin. The allied commits
sion has been more or less helpless
In handling the whole situation. and
IL the day passes without disorders OF