ITALIAN CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3354, 5 December 1919, Page 6

ITALIAN CRISIS.

BALKAN WAR MAY BE CAUSED. LONDON, Dec. 1, Commenting on the Italian situation ■possibilities, the Manchester Guardian's Vienna correspondent says that the tranquility at Budapest and V-i cnna is merely the quiet before a Storm. If D'Annunzio attacks Spalata, the Serbs -will undoubtedly declare war on Italy, and the Croatians will join the Italians owing to dissatisfaction with the Serbian opposition. It is likely that Roumania and Bulgaria will join in attacking the Serbs. The general connection will enable the Slovaks to demonstrate their disapproval of Czech rule, and Transylvania will throw off Roumanian oppression and both join Hungary in the latter's effort to regain its lost territory. The Allies must be swift in order to avert a catastrophe. A strong blockade is essential. The Allied military missions have failed to secure co-operarkn in the new States and should immediately be replaced with civilian diplomats with full authority to secure a peaceful settlement.

• Commenting on the political situation, Rome newspapers say thai? Di'Annunzio's activities increase the difficulties of th e Monarchists and inflame the passions of the Socialists, who fear the result of a new war. The Supreme Council, fully alive to the Italian situation, is making an effort to ease the position, but messages from Central Europe indicate the grave danger that D'Annun>;io will prove a spark to set the huge powder magazine aflame.