PROBLEM OF THE ADRIATIC.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17863, 8 September 1923, Page 13

PROBLEM OF THE ADRIATIC.

ITALY'S DISPUTE WITH JUGOSLAVIA. NEW WAR CLOUD IN THE BALKANS. (3T CABLE—PESSS ASSOCIATION—COrTKIGHT.) AND X.Z. CABLS ASSOCIATIOX.) PARIS, September 6. A sensation lias been caused by the publication of a message from the "Politika,'' the semi-official organ of the Government in Belgrade, detailing recent negotiations between Jugoslavia and Italy. This, viewed in the light of Signor Mussolini's sabrerattling in face of the Balkan Powers is regarded as extremely grave nen-s. The "Politika" describes the Italian plan as meaning that Italy is annexing the State of Fiume and Port Barros. Jugo-Slavia has been given until September loth to accept the Italian plan, which is couched in the form of an ultimatum. This the Gov. ernment cannot do.

Discussing the "Politika's" message the Paris newspapers describe it as a new war cloud, which may involve the whole of southern and central Europe. The "Politika" states that Jugoslavia is on her guard. Belgrade is awaiting arrival of the Greek Minister from Athens, but the Government is determined that nothing must be done to upset the equilibrium of the Balkans.

The Jugo-Slav Cabinet, however, has decided not to put forward its viewpoint while the present conflict is before an international tribunal, and in pursuance of this policy has not replied to th« appeal for help she has received from Greece.

The "Temns'' is so impressed with the danger that it urges the Allies not to waste time in discussing procedure in the dispute fcetween- Greece and Italy. If the new crisis becomes acute, peace will only be maintained by, perfect harmony among the Allies, and a sentiment of solidarity among the nations which stood side by side during the world war. If Britain foresees this eventually she -will avoid complicating the present quarrel. The "Journal des Debats" 6ays it does not accuse Signor Mussolini of nurturing dark designs, but it is evident that he has been carried away by the exaltation of his mood, which was plainly demonstrated in recent interviews with the Press. Signor Mussolini's references to the Balkan States are couched in term which amount to a threat. The paper warns Italy against pursuing a policy which will involve southern Europe in a, disaster Such as Austria precipitated in 1914.

According to a message frojn Rome on August 24th, the "Messagero" stated that Signor Mussolini on August Bth sent to Senator Ouartieri, leader of the Italian delegation -which is negotiating the execution of the Treaty of Rapallo a letter to bo communicated to the Jugo-Slav delegation, stating that the Italian Government was unable any longer to tolerate the JugoSlav opposition to a solution of the Adriatic problems. It added that Italy had abundantly proved the loyalty of her intentions, and the frankness of her attitude in evacuating the third Dalmatian zone, and executing other clauses of the Treaty. The letter concluded "by saying that unless a solution was reached by August 31st, Italy reserved full liberty of action. The "Messagero'' pointed out that as the result of this virtual ultimatum, the Jugo-Slav delegates were showing more activity and.had apparently resolved to arrive at 'a conclusion. The Treaty of London of April, 1915, granted Italy a large area of the Dalmatian. Coast, and during the discission of peace terms difficulties arose between the Italians and Jugo-Slays as to their respective shares. The situation was complicated by the *oet d Annunzio's action in seizing Fiume m September, 1919. Eventually Fiume was eonstitued an independent State by the Treaty of Rapallo, which was 6igned on November 12th, 19*0 and ratmed in the succeeding February. In June 1921 a further agreement was arrived at between the Fre City, Italy and Jugo-Slavia, in reference to the Port of Fiume, which includes the Port of Barros, according to which equal rights were granted to the three parties concerned. The Treaty provided that the area of Fiume was to be delimited by a special commission composed half of Italian and half or Jugo-Slav delegates.

ALBANIAN FRONTIER. MONTENEGRINS RAISING TROUBLE. LONDON, September 6. The Rome correspondent of the "Daily Chronicle" reports that Montenegrins are fomenting trouMe in the Scutari district because the proposed new Albanian boundary crosses land occupied by Montenegrins. SERBIAN PREMIER'S POLICY. ITALIAN DEMANDS UNACCEPTABLE. (Received September 7th, 7.35 p.m.) LONDON, September 7. The "Morning Post's" Paris correspondent says M. Pashitch had a long interview with M. Poincara. Th© veteran Serbian etatesnum insisted that his Government was absolutely unable to give way on some of the points which Signor Mussolini desired to modify, though. Jugo-Slavia sincerely desired to manifest no bellicose intention.