The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1919. THE FIUME QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 October 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1919. THE FIUME QUESTION.

For many months the question of the disposal of Piume has been causing considerable trouble, not only with the Italian Ministry, but with Servia and Jugo-Slavia. Among the Italians it has developed into a burning national affair, and the dictatorial measures taken by the poet Gabriel d'Annunzio have added fuel to the flames. At present the situation is one of considerable danger to peace, for d'Annunzio has set all authority at defiance and constituted himself a military dictator, relying on the patriotism of his fellow-coun-trymen for support in his self-con-stituted domination of the town and port. The controversy over the fate of Fiume has already been the means of creating fierce party feeling in Italy, but the Government is apparently remaining passive and allowing d'Annunzio and his troops to remain in possession, although the position of Fiume has not yet been determined by the Supreme Council. The matter. under the circumstances, is a very delicate one for the Allies owing to the Italian Government holding aloof. All the same it may develop into a. serious crisis unless a settlement is soon reached. Not only has Servia closed her borders, but the Jugo-Slavs have been galvanised into action, so there already exists the elements of a l flare up that may develop into a military struggle which will have a bad effect on the newly formed League of Nations. That such a struggle may take place is unpleasantly brought home to us by the latest news of sanguinary encounters of Servians and Croats with Italian troops, and an evident increase in the ill-feeling that the Italians are causing.. This is much to be deplored, for tire annexation of Fiume is quite unjustified. Fiume has always been regarded as a Croatian port, and it was probably omitted from the secret Pact of London on that account. Moreover the Southern Slavs require the port as a suitable outlet to the Mediterranean and the Croatians have always adhered to their rights to Fiume. Under the altered conditions that now exist it may be that the Supreme Council is awaiting a clearer development of indications as to what] policy will be in the best interests of the trade of Central Europe. Certainly the Council is not likely to be influenced by the fillibustering of d'Annunzio. That Italy should control Fiume on behalf of the Allies under certain clearly defined conditions is probable', but it would seem extremely desirable that the position should be cleared up without loss of time. It is incredible that a notoriety-loving fanatic like d'Annunzio should be allowed to work up hostilities before even the Peace Treaty has been ratified by the nations, and it is high time the dangerous vanity farce was ended. The Jugo-Slav Federation should be settling down to its new responsibilities and development instead' of being harassed by the Italians. "What the result of the Italian elections will be in November it is impossible to forecast, but looming ahead is the possibility of the Allies having to take a firm attitude that may involve Italy in unpleasant consequences unless d'Annunzio is removed from the untenable position he occupies at Fiume. A compromise is possible. It must be an equitable solution of the vexed problem, recognising not only Italy's aspirations, but also what is justly due to the new nationalities yrho look to the Allies to pro-

teet their interests. Unfortunately there is no dependence to be placed, on Italian action, owing to the ease with which the people are swayed by momentary impulses. Italy owes her present status and independence to the help rendered by the Allies when she was almost down and out. A timely recognition of the means of her salvation should evoke loyalty to the decision of the Supreme Council with regard to Fiume. and this should act as a powerful lever in arriving at an amicable settlement of the Adriatic question. Her course of action for the time being is quite plain, and it is to be hoped she will arise to the occasion and put the extinguisher on d'Annunzio, leaving the settlement to be determined by the Supreme Council, acting for the Peace Conference.