Sir Ernest Pollock as Counsel for Poland The World Court of Justice hag been working hard this session. It has just concluded its hearing of the Upper Silesian dispute between Germany and Poland. In this case the League Council has submitted for an advisory opinion a dispute between Poland and Germany as to the rights of about 100,000 persons of Germany origin in the Upper - Silesian territory recently added to Poland. If these persons are not recognized as possessing Polish nationality they will become liable to the Polish réyime affecting German nationals as regards the sequestration and sale of their properties and other limitations on -their rights. The Court was first asked to give an opinion on its competence to hear the issue, which Poland disputes, and if it held that it was competent, secondly, to give an opinion on the merits of the case.
Probably the Court-roony of the?alace of Peace at The Hague, vith its stained-glass windows, its magnificent furniture, and sculptured surroundings, is the most ornate Court of Justice in the world. When the eleven Judges, in their simple black gowns and lace bands, take their seats, with the Registrar, M. Hammarskojid, in his place in front of the raised dais, the Court has a rare dignity. More than that, it possesses a rare distinction, for the Judges stand for all the legal.system¢ in the world.
Herr Schiffer, the former German Minister of Justice, argued his case for over- two days, and was followed by Count. Michel Rostworowski, Professor of Cracow University. He delivered himself in fluent French, Then Sir Ernest Pollock, the ex-Attorney-General, who had been retained also for Poland, followed in his native tongue, In contrast with the splendid apparel] assumed by some of the advocates who have argued before the Court, Sir Ernest appeared in the usual garb of King's Counsel, but unwigged. Like the other counsel, he dealt in detail with this very abstruse problem bristling with technicalities, but argued that Poland had aot" violated the Minorities clauses of the Treaty, and that the Polish law of July 1920, expelling the German colonists whose rights were in question, was not in breach of the Treaty. His arguments consumed the best part of two days, and ab the last sitting all three counsel -made short addresses to the Court. combine patriotism with- Socialism. Mr. Blatchford is a great patriot, and he has always placed the safety of his country before the shibboleths off Intarnajtional! Socialism.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.