THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2367, 7 December 1908, Page 5

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

THE BALKAN CRISIS. ITALY’S IRRITATION AGAINST AUSTRIA. Unitjed Press Association, Copyright ROME; Dec. 4. In connection with M. Fusinato’s motion of confidence in the Government in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Signor Fonda described Austria’s action as an effective violation of the Treaty of Berlin. The abandonment of Novibazar was insufficient compensation. Austria ought to evacuate Spizza. Austria’s post lon in tlio Adriatic would be greatlj: strengthened, facilitating future designs on Salonika, besides preventing the formation of a great Serb State. Italy was unable to oppose the annexation of the occupied provinces, or to obtain compensation, but could join tlio conference with full liberty of judgment. Although Italy wished to remain loyal to the Triple Alliance, that loyalty was daily becoming more difficult owing to Austria’s extraordinary and excessive armaments. The situation was such that Italy was within danger of war. The Government ought to complete the defence of the country. (Applause.)

ADVICE TO AUSTRIA. A UNITED REPRESENTATION. LONDON, Dec. 4. Reports affirm that Austria is increasing her army in the south by 60.000 men. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent states that Britain, France ■and Russia are about to address to Austria firm representations regarding the menacing preparations, emphasising Servia’s prompt and effective compliance with the recent appeal.

DISCUSSION IN THE ITALIAN CHAMBERS.

SIGNOR TJTTONJ’S OUTSPOKEN UTTERANCE.

(Received Dec. 6 4.20 p.m.)

ROME, Dec. 5. In the Italian Chamber, Signor Fusinato’s motion was adopted by 297 to 140.

Signor Tittoni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, upholding international treates, declared that Austria, preferring a unilateral solution of the question to .a legal solution based on the consent of all interested, had created a difficult and uncertain situation in Europe which would react on the internal situation of other States and deeply disturb their political ph|;re. He declared that Signor Barzilai’s statement that Austria had been willing to cede the Trentino to Italy was unfounded. Signor Tittoni added that the rapproc 1 1 eraent of Italy and Russia was un fait accompli, and hound to have important consequences in the future. SENSATION IN VIENNA. RESULT OF ITALIAN PLAIN SPEAKING. (Received Dec. G 4.20 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 6. The outspoken utterances of Ministers and ex-Ministers in the Italian Chamber caused a sensation at Vienna and a profound impression at Paris,, especially Signor Forti’s declaration that the only State threatening Italy is her ally.

THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE. ITALY DISASSOCIATING HERSELF. (Received Dec. 6 4.20 p.m.) \ LONDON, Dec. 5. * r JTie ‘•'Times’ ” Paris correspondent says the Italian Government has already so far dissociated itself from the spirit of the Triple Alliance as to give France positive assurances regarding its attitude in the event of grave complications.

A SUSPICIOUS MOVEMENT.

AUSTRIAN STEAMERS DEPART UNDER SEALED ORDERS.

(Received Dec. 7, 12.35 a.m.)

VIENNA, Dec. 5

Two steamers, with troops, left Fiume, with sealed orders. Their destination is believed to be Cattaro. Two more are to follow. [Fiume :is a Hungarian port on the Adriatic Sea. Oattaro is an Austrian port in Dajmatia, also on the Adriatic. It is dominated by the mountains of Montenegro, on which a recent cablegram stated that the Montenegrins were mounting heavy batteries.]