Italy.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 5, 6 May 1915, Page 5

Italy.

PRESS COMMENT. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m.) London, May 5. The French press, discussing the apprehensions concerning the SerboItalian relations, and the reported Italian claim in the Adriatic region, w here there are ninety per, cent, oi Slavs, says it does not believe Italy desires to have upon her hands populations unalterably hostile to annexation. It would be a political mistake of incalculable importance. ITALIAN INTENTION SHROUDED IN MYSTERY. GERMANS WORKING FOR NEUTRALITY. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8.0 a.m.) London, May 5. It is officially stated that Prince Von Buelow’s efforts have not yet finally failed. Italy’s position and intentions remain shVouded in mystery. Conflicting East European rumours assert her readiness to intervene in favour of the Allies, and allege that the conversations with Austria have definitely ceased. A German deputation is reported to be intervening with the Pope with regard to a final effort to insure neutrality. The Italian Ambassador in London declares he has received no news from Rome leading him to believe intervention is imminent. The reports concerning the production of Italy’s intervention on the 15th had not official sanction.

HASTENING SLOWLY! Times and Sydney Sun Service. London, May 4. A correspondent in the north of Italy says that everything he has heard and seen leads to the belief that war between Italy and Austria i's inevitable as soon as conditions permit. Germans of-long residence in Italy are daily departing for Switzerland. There is an abundance or evidence in Milan Chat public opniion is strongly in favor of the Allies. Portraits of Sir John French and General Joffre are shown in a shop widow alongside a satirical caricature of the Kaiser. There are signs of the war spirit everywhere. The decision to re-open the Italian Parliajnent on the 12th has caused a surprise, as it was previously thought that it would not be opened until there was announced either the success of the Austro-Italiau negotiations or the denunciation of Austria ■and Germany. The Cabinet has decided that a normal exercise of parliamentary functions would result in greater calm. SWITZERLAND'S POSITION. Paris, May o. The Liberte states that as soon as Italy declares war Germany will invade Switzerland with two army corps, occupying Zurich and the country around. Under the German plan it follows that the Kaiser will inform Switzerland that he no longer feels under an obligation to respect neutrality', alleging that Italy violated neutrality by flying over the country. He feels bound to protect his interests in the Gothard tunnel railway, which is under GermanItalian control.

The paper declares that one corps mil enter Basle and the other Constance, effecting a junction at Zurich.