The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19th, 1923. EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19th, 1923. EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

Ma'i-ikus in Europe continue to engross much anxious attention. Although there aro signs that Germany is less recalcitiant, and fresh overtuicx for a settleumid are indicated by Dr Strese[immi, M. Poincare in bis latest utter unco is as uncompromising as ever as regards routing from the occupation ot tlm Buhl- district. The German pledges proposed to be offered are reported to be real and something specially positive. Germany, Dr St resents nn pleaded, must first he given the right to administer the Ruhr and recover her sovereignty in the Bhineland. The pledges were capable of solving the question of passive resistance, provided nu assurance- were given that, on such an understanding, the Ruhr would be evacuated and the Hhinclaiid would be given its former rights. If they received the assurance that everyone whoso home was in the Rhineland or the Ruhr would be restored, there was no reason why the region should not regain its former zest for work. He trusted that such a settlement would he possible. The Government had been assured, by leading representatives oi industry and finance, that they would lake their share in the obligations in connection with the proposed scheme, file possibility of an understanding depended oil whether a suitable atmosphere could be created. Finally, be Hoped that France’s rulers shared the view that it was now necessary to secure )due by a policy of justice, which was calculated to dispel national passions, and thus give guarantees tor lasting peace. But the French .frontier i> adamant on the point- of preliminary evacuation, and the pride of two nations will continue to keep them at arm’s length, and in a state of expensive warfare which must lie bleeding the financial resources of both countries seriously. The Graeco-Italian situation is easier for the moment because Greece so readily complied with the proposals for a compromise prepared by tho Ambassadors’ Conference. It was tile only course Greece could pursue under the eircumsfuncos, but tlm incident lias given the League of N'ations authority a set back which might be tile beginning of tho end of tliaL instrument to avoid war. The Amhassa<luis’ Conference put exacting conditions on Greece to placate Signor .Mussolini, who has been the dominating figure of the incident throughout, bluest reports show that Albanians were tho cause of tho crime placed at the door of Greece, and that the occasion was brought about through the Italian mission taking the lives of notable Albanians. There are about ten days left to clear up the guilt for the crime, which incensed Italy, and as Greece has so much at stake, no doubt the wheels of justice will revolve quickly and supply a clear exposition of the matter. The problem of the Adriatic is the third very disturbing factor in Europe at the moment. Italy’s dispute with Jugoslavia creates n new war cloud in the Balkans. According to a message from Rome on August 21t1i., the ‘Messagero” stated that Signor Mussolini on August Bth. sent to Senator Cuartieri, leader of the Italian delegation, which is negotiating the execution of the Treaty ot Rapalio, a letter to he communicated to the Jugo-Slav delegation, stating that the Italian Government was unable any longer to tolerate the Jugo-Slav opposition to a solution of the Adriatic problems. It added that Italy had abundantly proved the loyalty of her intentions, and the frankness of her attitude in evacuating the third Dalmatian zone, and executing other clauses of the Treaty. The letter concluded by saying that unless n solution was reached by August 31st. Italy reserved full liberty of action. The “Messagero” pointed out that as the result of this virtual ultimatum, the Jugo-Slav delegates were showing more activity and had apparently resolved to arrive at a conclusion. The Treaty of London of April, 1915, granted Italy a large area of the Dalmatian Const, and during the discussion of peace terms difficulties arose between the Italians and Jugo-Shtvs as to their respective shares. The situation was complicated by the poet d’Annunzio s action in seizing Finnic in .September 1919. Eventually Fie, me was constituted on independent State by tho Treaty of Bapnllo, which was signed on November 12th., 1920 and ratified in the succeeding February. In June 1921 a further agreement was arrived at between tho Fre City, Italy and Jugoslavia, in reference to the Port of Barros, according to which equal rights •were granted to the three parties concerned. Tho Treaty provided that the area of Finnic was t-o lie delimited by a special commission composed half of Italian mid half of Jugo-Slavian delegates. The negotiations are still proceeding. the time fixed by the ultimatum being extended. There is also tho position, in Spain, where at the moment of writing, is somewhat ol>seure, but a change of Government under forced, if not revolutionary, eondi tions is taking place.