THE FAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1927, Page 3

THE FAR EAST

BALKANS FEARS. JUGOSLAVIA -MORI USES'. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, March 19. • Alarmist reports are published by the “ Giornalc d’ltalia” at Rome. These affirm that Jugo-Slavia is now mobilising heavily on both the Albanian and the Italian frontiers. The paper asserts tliat coverin'; screens of Jugo-Slavia forces have been also placed on the Unitarian, Greek and Hungarian frontiers. An official communique has been is- '■ sued at Rome coincidentally and it denies that Italy is making any war preparations in connection with the Balkans. /It declares that Italy is pursuing a policy of peace. LONDON. March IS. Alleging impending Jugo-Slav invasion of Albania. Mussolini has notified Britain that Italy will protect Albania. FRANCE’S ACTION FEARED. , ROME, March IS. The Belgrade correspondent of the “ Giornnle d’ltalia” gives an alarming detailed account of the action of Yugoslavia’s General Staff! under the personal direction of King Alexander, in preparing hostilities (ui the Albanian frontier. He alleges that the mobilising of the army is going on in any case, and that the objective of tbe.se military measures is to place the army on a war footing. He also reports tire organising of Komitajis with the special object of waging war on Albania. He says tliat plans have been completed to reorganise and reconstruct strategic.roads apt! railways. The correspondent states tliat urgent orders for guns and machine guns and munitions have been placed with Belgium. Finally, alleges the correspondent precise orders have been given as to bow the Army Corps shall be distributed on the Italian and Albanian frontiers. It is insinuated tliat France and Yugo-Slavia are co-operating to unite me Balkan States against Italy. A WORLD QUESTION. IS IT WAR? (Received this dav at 9.30 aim.) LONDON, March 20. The question asked throughout Europe to-day is, will Jugo-Slnvia repeat history by precipitating another world conflict? Both Italy and Jugoslavia deny their aims are’ warlike, yet it is confirmed from various sources that Italy lias notified Britain and other nations of her anxiety, regarding the massing of Jugo-Slnvia troops on the Albanian Frontier. This is a most significant fact in the situation. The object of Jugo-Slavia’s militarism is assumed to be the overthrow of the Albanian Government with which Italy recently concluded an agreement.

The “ Gironale d’ltalia.” quoted yesterday, returns to the subject. This paper’s freedom of discussion is considered remarkable in view of the fact that the whoi'e press of Italy is under Fascist control. ’The “ Gironale ” states as soon as tlio signature to the treaty with Albania, was known, Jugoslavia attempted to constitute a diplomatic front against Italy. The paper adds that the attempt failed completely. It then proceeds to allege tliat the Social Democratic organisation of' a free missionary has now intervened in Jtigo-Si'aviu in the belief that it will find weapons to combat the Fnscisti regime.

Obviously, the basis of this ItalicSerbian dispute is most obscure.

The “Gironale , cl’ltalia./” however, professes that the Serbian objectives are faf the clearest: namely—the occupation of Northern Albania and Salonika, subjugation of Bulgaria and other Balkan States; inviolability of Macedonia and maintainence of Serbian hegemony throughout Jugo-Slavia and the Balkans generally.

Despite the “ Gironale’s ” speculations, official quarters at Borne stress that no military steps whatever are being taken ns the result of tlig Jugoslavia “war preparations.” It is added that TtaVy’s relations with Jugo-Slavia are normal, anil there is nothing to justify alarmist reports. The Jugo-Slavia Legation at London denies that Jugo-Slavia is arming or mobilising."

Berlin is naturally interested and reliable correspondents affirm that there is no doubt hut Italy and JugoSlavia are talcing military precautions. The “Deutsche AUgemeine,” which is situation as the gravest and stresses that an armed conflict between Italy and Jugo-Slavia would inevitably resuit in another vorlVl war. The “ Deutscheallgemeine,” which is in close touch with the Foreign Office, says in the event of war in the Balkans Germany would remain neutral. All messages from Rome embody the word “peace,” luit the “Central Neus ■while declaring official circles are undisturbed, says Rome notes that conditions in Jugo-Slavia. are none too stable and her resources are limited. It adds finally that official circles are fully alive to the situation, and if an attack upon Albania does occur Italy will he prepared to deal ugsli it. The “ Observer’s ” diplomatic correspondent says that impartial comment in British qunrters is that these reports are another example of dilpomatic nerves in Europe. The coiiespondent stresses that while the big Powers such as Germany. I ranee, Italy and Britain continue united, disturbances in the Balkans can have local importance only, nevertheless, cognisance must he taken of these reports in view of Italy’s military preparedness, and Balkan’s inflammability, add the fact that the cables are working at full pressure.

ROME, March 20. Organs of the Faseisti party published the statement Italy of the Blackshirts regard with complete calm the frantic agitation of a clique at Belgrade.” ./The paper proceeds to refer to the Serbian Ckmstriilla composed of irresponsible mo*elomanians capable of any crime, and /ays Italy won't lose her head. Fascist Italy knows whence come the help and coun- . sel given to Belgrade (presumably' a a reference to the Bolsheviks) and fina- ly is prepared to emphasise Italy’s desire for peace, hut adds that Italy won’t take threats lying down. “We no longer indulge in vain words. Our slogan is 1 act in silence.’ ” DEFENSIVE MEASURES. ROME. March 20. The “Gironai'e d’ltalia’s” corresponat Tirana states in face of the alleged military preparations by Jugoslavia, the Albanian Government has begun defensive measures; Mountain guns have been sent to the northern frontier and the authorities are preparing for a large concentration of forces.

HANDS OFF ALBANIA. ITALY’S WARNING. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON. March 20. “Hands off Albania” is Italy’s warning to Jugo-Slavia, together with an intimation that Italy cannot remain neutral if Jug»-Sla'via’s warlike aggression continues. This is the most important asoeot of the Balkan squabble to-day. Though the warning was not issued by a formal note in the ordinary diplomatic man-

ner, it was conveyed by Georgnil Bodrero (Italian .Minister at Belgrade) direc to Jugo-Slav foreign office. A reliable correspondent quotes the Italian Foreign Office spokesman, that Italy will view interference in Albania as an unfriendly act. She is resolved to continue a peaceful policy but is undisposed to endure threats designed to interfere with the present equilibrium 'of the Balkans.

The Italian press sounds the same note stressing that under no circumstances will Italy withdraw from the maintenance of international pledges. Tt points out that fortunately both Albanian and Italian frontiers would be most unsuitable for warlike l operations for more than a month, and expresses a pious hope that before the snows are melted the present difficulties will be dissolved. It is meanwhile announced from Paris that the French foreign office acting i;n the Italian note is taking diplomatic steps to avoid a rupture. As an ally of Jugo-Klavia, 'France is able to bring strong pressure to hear should the situation develop. Herr Stresemaun in his capacity as President of the League Council will he called on to summon a special nieet-

Already French wit sees hifniour in a German summoning a gathering with the idea of preventing a conflict involving an ally of France.