ADRIATIC QUESTION

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1920, Page 2

ADRIATIC QUESTION

FURTHER INFORM ATION

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.,!

LONDON, Feb. 28. In connection with vtho Allied Supreme Council’s meeting hero the Adriatic correspondence has been published. In reply to President Wilson’s last Note. Jib Lloyd George and M. Miller-, and withdrew' the proposals made on December Bth and those of January 20th. They invite President Wilson to join them in urging the Italian and ■Jugo-Slav Governments to negotiate a mutual agreement on a basis of the with drawn 1 of all the precious proposals. If this proposal fails, they suggest that the United States, Great Britain, and France should again consider the question in common.

As regards the secret Treaty of London, the reply says that the Italian Government had co-operated most loyally and assiduously with the French and British Governments with a view to replacing the Treaty of London by a settlement satisfactorily nll'-e to it and to Jugo-Slavia. All the Allies cordially hoped that such an agreement would be reached, but they cannot disguise the fact that should no such voluntary agreement be reached they think the Treaty of London would then become the only valid conclusion —so far, as they are concerned. The reply emphasises the urgency and importance of i* speedy settlement of the Adriatic dispute, which it says is now gravely threat ening the peace • and delaying the reconstruction of South-eastern Europe.

With reference to Albania, Mr Lloyd George and M. Millerand express the conviction that by a reconsideration of the Albanian question, a settlement can be reached which will satisfy the Albanian aspirations for full self-irovernment, while also giving consideration to the vital interests of all concerned, including the necessity of assurin'- Jugo-Sla-via of an outlet to the .Adriatic in the Scutari region. They say they are willing to urge on tlie Governments concerned the need of bringing these desires into line with the American point of vieiv.

- THE ADRIATIC ISSUE. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 26. Mr Wilson’s reply to the Allies on the Adriatic queston is inidler in tone, but adheres to the former stand-point.