Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1928. ITALY AND JUGO-SLAVIA.
The disturbing: picture of feeling- in Italy presented by the special correspondent of the '"Daily Express" must be accepted with reserve, for the London journal is rather given to seeking* out the sensational rather than the more sober facts. The correspondent asserts- that Italian children are being- taught that Britain is on her last legs, but that for the time being, they must be friendly toward her because she possesses a powerful navy. This statement does not square with a recent speech by Signor Mussolini, in which he affirmed the reality of the long-standing friendship between Italy and Britain. The generous treatment that Britain meted out to Italy in the matter of war debts alone should render a breach on the part of the Southern European nation unthinkable. British and Italian interests certainly impinge in certain parts of the Near East, notably Abyssinia and in the vicinity of Aden, but the rivalry is so mild that any difficulties should be easily adjusted. Iu regard to France, there has been some friction, but the sensational reports that serious trouble was brewing havp happily proved false and the rivalry that admittedly exists in connection with the Balkans gives no indication that it cannot bo kept without bounds. In his references to the relations with Jugoslavia the "Express" correspondent touches a vital spot, though it would be as unwise to magnify the possibilities of serious conflict as it would be foolish to ignore them. Even though officially they may be pronounced as "closed," incidents such as the recent demonstrations against Italians in Jugo-slavia afford unmistakable evidence that all is not well between the two countries. Italy is officially regarded in Jugo-slavia with suspicion, as aiming to dominate the whole Balkan Peninsula, or, in the words of one party leader, to play the role filled by Austria-Hun-gary before the war. This is bad enough, but when actual racial antipathy can be found in the populace as well, the situation demands watchfulness. It is unfortunate, too, that causes of irritation spring up so readily. Italy and Jugo-slavia are parties to a treaty of friendship, a very encouraging- sign. Any friendliness it connoted was, however, seriously affected when Italy made a similar pact with Albania, a country where the growth of Italian' influence is watched jealously by Jugo-slavia. Again, reference was made by Signor Mussolini to the Nettuno Convention. This agreement, signed in July, 1925, was intended to adjust various differences connected with Fiume and Zara, on the Adriatic coast. Its conclusion Avas proclaimed in Italy |as a diplomatic triumph. Failure to ratify it by J\igo-slavia, which persists' to this day, has given corresponding offence to _ Italian diplomacy. What was intended to smooth away existent difficulties promises* to add a fresh crop to a delicate situation.
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 252, 3 August 1928, Page 4
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474Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1928. ITALY AND JUGO-SLAVIA. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 252, 3 August 1928, Page 4
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