Neutral Nations

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 241, 20 March 1915, Page 5

Neutral Nations

ITALY. AuSTRO-GEItMAX OVERTURES. Rome, March 18. it is reported that Count von Bulow has given Italy assurances that Germany will De able to overcome the resistance of Austria and induce .her to cede territory, and giv« Italy a free band in soutnern A.ounia and lor her further ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean. He pointed out that the marine supremacy there of Great Britain and France would squeeze Italy out. The supporters of the Triple Entente state that the defeat of the AustroGerman armies is inevitable, whether Italy participates or not. At the conclusion of peace the separation of Austria and Hungary is expected, leading to the absorption of Austrian provinces by Germany and the extension of German dominion to Trieste. Then it will be for ever lost to Itah; who will be forced to abandon Avlona and the 'Aegean islands. Well-informed circles understand that Italy desires territory in th e north-east to extend lier boundaries at the north end of the Adriatic as far ns Fiumc, including Pola and the provinces of Trent and Trieste to the Julian Alps, including the provinces of Goritz and Istrift and the Dalmatian Islands. Austria is willing to grant territory, including Lake Garda, the town, river .and valley of Chiece and the Adige river, excluding Trent. Austria asks a large sum as compensation for the renunciation of territory inhabited by Italian's. The difference between Italy's demands and Austria's offer is so great that an adjustment is unlikely. T!ic Keiieva Tribune announces that a laiuv (wrt of the Italian navy is concentrating near the east base of the Dardane'lf) fleets. tandon, March 18. Rome learns that a council held at Count Burian's residence in Vienna spiritedly discussed the concession to Italy. It protested against Count von Bulow's suggestion of surrendering Trentino, and decided that nothing could be. conceded unless Italy dealt directly with Austria. It also considered that the concessions to Italy ought to be proportionate with Austria's territorial gains.