THE NEAR EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1927, Page 2

THE NEAR EAST

(Australia it N.Z. Cable Association..] ALBANIAN SCARE. LONDON, March 23. The “Times” Belgrade correspondent says':—At. Perriteh, the Jugoslavian Foreign Minister, lias announced that the Jugo-Slavian situation will he investigated by military experts. Probably they will be inquiring both in Jugoslavia, and in Albania. He said he would he prepared to accept an inquiry by the League or Nations Commission, if the League considers the situation is dangerous to peace. ‘ , LONDON, March 24. It is reported from Paris ilia 3 France, Britain and Germany have agreed to have an open inquiry uincerning Italy’s compi'aint against Jugoslavia. They have also agreed that the Inquiry Alission will be constituted upon a wide basts, and will have an international character.

The Belgrade Cabinet assents to this procedure.

Italy’s viewpoint appears to be that having expressed her grievances to France, Britain and Germany, it is for these Powers to test the truth of these assertions, and that she need not participate in the investigation. LONDON, March 24.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent understands that the Rome Government is still not convinced that all the danger to Albania from the Serbia frontier is now over. Italy still maintains that ominous military preparations are still progressing in Jugo-Slavia.

HUNGARY'S AfOYE. BUDAPEST, March 24. The Foreign .Minister of Hungary, At. AYai'ke, announced in the Upper House that Count Betlilen will shortly be going to Borne in order to exchange views with Signor Alussolini regarding the utilisation of the port of Fiume for Hungarian exports. The Minister denied reports that Hungary was unable to deride whether to follow Italy or Jugo-Slavia. He hoped that negotiations for an Arbitration Pact between Hungary and Jugo-Slavia would shortly he concluded successfully.