Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 September 1920 — APPEAL TO THE LEAGUE [ARTICLE]

APPEAL TO THE LEAGUE

The appeal of Poland to the league of nations for a peaceful adjustment of its differences with the Lithuanian government which are serious, indicates that the Poles believe that the league is “functioning,” though Senator Harding and Senator Watson are convinced that such is not the case. It is pointed out that the Lithuanians have been guilty of the gravest breaches of neutrality, have permitted their territory to be used by the Russian reds as a base of operations, have co-operated with the reds in invading Poland —all excellent causes for War. But instead of war —which, however, may yet come —we have this appeal to the league: Owing to the fraternal relations •which during several centuries have -existed between the Polish and Lithuanian peoples, the Polish government would have recourse to arms •only with great reluctance. The Polish government has taken all measures to prevent any contact be'tween its troops and Lithuanian -forces. It will avoid battle as long •as the strategical situation permits. ■* * * The Polish government the above facts to the league of nations and requests the tieague to use all the means at its in order to prevent the Lithuanian government from continuing to co-operate with the* soviets, and cause Lithuania to abandon its

strange enterprise, thus preventing the Polish nation from being under the painful necessity of waging war against a sister nation. In the old day, war would have coine as a matter of course —there could have been no thought of anything else. But now with the league of nations In existence Poland turns to It, and seeks there first a peaceful adjustment In accordance with the principles of the league. It is true that there may be failure, for the Lithuanians seem to be closely allied with the Russian reds, and these latter have shown no regard for world opinion. In case of failure we shall have a demonstration of how the league will next proceed. But success is not beyond the bounds of possibility. By her resort to the league Poland has strengthened herself In the good opinion of mankind. There would of course be a greater chance for a successful handling of this matter if America were —as It ought to be —a member of the league. But at least the league is "functioning,” and In many ways. It is a fact, and no longer a mere dream; an Institution, and not simply an aspiration.—lndianapolis News (Rep.). .