THE ADRIATIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1919, Page 5

THE ADRIATIC.

AN ACUTE CRISIS.

Italian Premier Withdraws From Peace Conference. „• Received April 25, 8.45 p.m. Paris, April 21. President Wilson has issued a lengthy official statement dealing with the Adriatic problems. He points out that Italy entered in to the war upon the basis of a definite understanding witb Britain and France known as the Pact of London. Since that time the whole ol the circumstances have altered. Many other Powers have entered the struggle with no knowledge of that private understanding. The Austro-Hungarian Empire, then an enemy of Europe, and at whose expense the pact was to be kept in the event of victory, has gone to pieces. Not only that, but several parts of that Empire, it is now agreed by Italy and her associates, shall be created independent State? and associates in the League of Nations, tad not with those who recently were our enemies. They are to be among the smaller State's whose interests. henceforth are to be scrupulously safeguarded. The war was ended by an armistice, and peace with Germany on clearly defined principles is proposed. Therefore, we cannot ask the great body of the Powers to propose peace with Austria and establish a new basis of independence and right in States which originally constituted the AustroHungarian. Empire, and States of the Balkan group on principles of another kind. If these, principles are to be adhered to, Fiume must serve as an outlet and inlet of--commerce, not of Italy, but of lands north and northeast of that port for Hungary, Bohemia, Roumania, and the States- of the new Jugo-Slav g|"up. If Fiume was assigned to Italy it would create a feeling that we put that port, upon which all those countries depended for access to the Mediterranean, in the hands of a Power of which they are not an integral part, and whose sovereignty must seem foreign and not domestic or identified with the commercial and industrial life of the regions which the port must serve. It was for these reasons that Fiume was not included in the Pact of London. Elaborating these arguments, President' Wilson says the new plan of European order, centring in the League of Nations, will provide against any unfair treatment of Italian nationals in these regions. He points out that, through her sacrifices and those of her allies, Italy's ancient unity has been restored, and her frontiers have been restored to the great.walls which'are her natural defence.

President Wihon appeals to Italy to extend to the newly liberated peoples across the .Adriatic magnaminity and friendly generosity, the preference of ju»tice over intemt. Hie Allied nations made supreme sacrifices, not for national advantage nor defence, bnt for the settled peace of the world. America, as the initiator of peace, has a compulsion placed upon her to square every decision with the principles he enunciated, and can do nothing else. He trusts and believes that Italy will ask nothing but what is nnmistakeably consistent with these sacred obligations. Only on rach lines can the world's peace be teenre.-Aus.-KZ. Cable A«w

DEMONSTRATION IN ROME. DEMAND FOR FIUME AND DALMATIA. Received April 25, 8.60 pjm. Londop, April 24. Rome telegrams report that there was a tremendous demonstration in the city demanding Frame and Dalmatia. The Mayor addressed the multitude and declared that Italy would refuse any diminution of her national rights. Troops guarded the Entente Embassy.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. STATEMENT BY ITALIAN PREMIER. NOT BREAKING WITH ALLIES. Received April 25, 10.20 p.m. Paris, April 24. Signor Orlando states that the three Powers granted Italy's final minimum, except Fiume, which was to be left a free port. The nest event was President Wilson's manifesto, which Signor Orlando had first seen in an evening paper. Re explains that he is not breakteg with the Allies, but it is superfluous to discuss matters with President Wilson. , Signor Orlando will summon the 1 Italian Parliament to meet immediately. —AUS.-&Z. Cable Asm.

PRBBIDENT WILSON'S BOMBSHELL Paris, April 24. The Italians intend to occupy Dalmatia and Fiume with 100,000 men immediately. They threaten to make a separate peace with Germany. Signor Orlando has handed over Italy's interests to Bri tain and France, paying a tribute to their loyalty. In a statement Signor Orlando said that President Wilson's action was a departure from diplomatic custom and left the Italians with no option. King Victor has endorsed Signor Orlando's action. The Italian delegates accuse Wilson of bad faith in publishing a statement when the Italians were making a su- ' pratue effort x to find a modus vivendi. The Italians have postponed their departure from the Peace Conference until 8 pjh, Signor Orlando has written to M. Clemenctau regretting that President Wilson published his manifesto while negotiation* were proceeding on a compromise which might have been accepted. San Arzilai, an Italian delegate, states that the publication of the manifesto came as a bombshell while they were discussing a compromise. The manifesto was published over the heads of all the delegates. President Wilson has elected himself supreme umpire. American correspondents assert that Mr. Lloyd George and M- Clemenceau approved of the manifeto before it was published.—Aus. NZ. Cable Assoc. Mr. Lloyd George, M. Clemenceau, and President Wilosn met as usual. Mr. Lloyd George states that the -Italians will not be leaving Paris at present. • Later, is consequence of representations bv M. Clemenceau and Mr Lloyd George, ' Signor Orlando postponed his departure, which had been fixe& for 2 o'clock in the tftffaoon.—Ax». H2. Gable Aswc.