"MOST AWKWARD IMPASSE"

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 178, 23 April 1919, Page 7

"MOST AWKWARD IMPASSE"

DEADLOCK OVER THE ADRIATIC ISSUES ITALY AND PRESIDENT WILSON WON'T COMPROMISE GERMAN OPPOSITION PROPAGANDA By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, April 21. What is regarded as the culminating week of the. labours of the Conference opens critically. The Germans have replied to the summons to Versailles, impudently intimating that they would send two Legation Councillors empowered to receive a draft of the preliminary treaty, with which they would immediately return to Germany. It is understood that the Allies replied that it was useless to send delegates not empowered to sign the treaty. The Germans hint that they will not sign until the country is consulted, and even suggest a referendum. The other disturbing factor is President Wilson's attitude in regard to the Adriatic. The Council of Four was un. able to arrive at a solution at its last meeting. The New York "Herald's" Pans edition states that Presidont Wilson has withdrawn from to-day's discussion, leaving the signatories to the Pact of London to settle the problem among themselves, thus creating an impression that Italy will secure a settlement satisfying her aspirations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ITALIAN OBSTRUCTION PRESIDENT WILSON ABSENT FROM COUNCIL OF FOUR. Paris, April 19. The Council of Four is concentrating on the Adriatic question. If the Italians maintain the attitude attributed to them of insisting on the possession of Fiumo and standing by the.Pact of London, it may lead to delay in the signing of peace, because should they refuse to sign it would be a question under the Pact whether the other Powers could sign a separate peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. President Witon refrained _ from attending the Council of Four in' order to bring pressure to bear upon the Italian representatives. President Wilson proposes to make a public statement unless his views prevail.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PUBLIC AGITATION IN ITALY. Rome, April IG. A meeting of 150 Senators and, 250 Deputies decided to telegraph to Sifrnor Orlando declaring that no peace will be acceptable which flouts the Italian people's determination to obtain natural frontiers and annex all tho Italian Adriatic towns.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NO AGREEMENT. (Rec. April 23, 0.5 a.m.) Paris, April 21. Tli? Council does not agree on the Adriatic question. Signer Orlando and Baron Sonnino did not appear at the afternoon meeting.—Reuter. "A MOST AWKWARD IMPASSE" (Rec. April 23, 0,5 a.m.) Paris, April 21. A most awkward impasse has arisen regarding the Adriatic question. President Wilson and tho Italians refuse to budge an inch. Considerable excitement reigns at Italian headquarters. France and ! Britain maintain that'the strict letter of the Treaty promised Italy Trieste, Pol a, Islria, and the islands and part of Dalmntia, but did not include Fiumo. Franco and Britain are prepared to concede Fiuine, under conditions. President Wilson declares that this particular treaty does not concern him, but he cannot agroe to numbers of other nationalities coming under Italian sovereigntyUnited Service. FRANCO-BRITISH COLONIAL POSSESSIONS EXCHANGES AND READJUSTMENTS. (Rec. April 22, 10.20 p.m.) . Paris, April 21. The British delegation has discussed {he French proposals for exchanges and readjustments of the colonial possessions. It is understood that thero is no proposal that the British should leave the New Hebrides, though there may possibly be a division.—United Service. THE MANDATORIES PRESIDENT WILSON WANTS THEM DEFERRED. New York, April 20. The Paris correspondent of the New York "Sun" states that President Wilson was determined to have tho whole question of mandatories deferred until tho first meeting of the League of Nations, which will probably be held on October 1. Britain and France have lodged the strongest objections to President Wilson's wishes, pointing out that they would leave the territories to which the mandatories will apply in a dangerous and unsettled situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . •■ : !-•