14 MAY 1921, Page 2

The Poles of Upper Silesia, excited by a German rumour

that the Allied Commission would not award them as much of the disputed territory as they desired, rose in insurrection last week under the lead of M. Korfanty. They overpowered the German police in the Allied service, and inffioted severe losses on the Italian troops at Rybnik. The British troops had been withdrawn a month ago ; the French troops were unable to do anything. The insurgents flouted the Allied Commission and occupied all the districts that they claimed east of the Oder. The German Government naturally seized the opportunity to protest against these disorders and to offer military assistance in restoring the Allies' authority. The Allies declined the offer, and made it clear that the dispatch of German troops into Upper Silesia would be a breach of the Treaty. Nevertheless, the folly of the Poles has gravely com- promised the Allies and given Germany a. genuine grievance.