CORFU INCIDENT

Evening Star, Issue 18374, 7 September 1923, Page 4

CORFU INCIDENT

BALKAN STATES UNEASY. Italy’s Action lesemtecl A GRAVE REPORT ITALIAN mTIIATDI TO SERBIA Prosu Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.

who consented to tho Greek attempt to pack tho cards. Let as await the decision of the Council of the League. Wo are sure of onr rights and have a firm and tranquil conscience."—Reuter. MUSSOLINI’S DECLARATIONS, “ A MENACE TO PEACE,' 9 LONDON, September S. The 'Daily Telegraph’s’ diplomatic ecu'* respondent says: “ There is a grave phrase in Signor l Mussolini’s latest declarations. He threatens to remain indefinitely at Corfu if Greece docs not yield to his every demand, adding that Corfu was for centuries a dependency of Venice. “ ‘ When a politician quotes history he is thinking not of tho past, but of tins ■future. It is long since I read an utterance so menacing to European peace. 1 These words were said to mo by a member of the Foreign Corps Diplomatique who is reputed for his cool sagacity and mordant wit. Signor Mussolini’s illadvised outburst has had at least the advantage of disclosing certain aspirations which were hitherto only dimly suspected in British and French naval circles and among the Little Entente."—A, and N.Z. Cable. OCCUPATION REHEARSED. A SERIOUS CHARGE. LONDON, September 6. Tho special correspondent of the ‘Daily Express’ at Athens telegraphs that Colonel Lowe, an American (director of tho Relief Orphanage at Corfu), who ha a just returned from the island, declares that tho Italians rehearsed tho occupation of Corfu a month ago, before the Janina murders. An Italian cruiser at that time arrived Her commander sought and obtained tho prefect’s permission to land tho men for exercise. They ;sayed for five days under canvas, the officers studying the* roads and landing places. Tho Greek Government is awaiting tho next move in the dispute with restraint, and even tho suggestion that the occupation was a long-prepared coup has failed to arouse any considerable anger. Thcro have been no anti-Italian, demonstrations. The people arc anxiously awaiting Britain’s next step. —A. and N.Z. Cable. BRITISH PRESS OPINIONS. LONDON, September 6. The ‘Morning Post,’ in an editorial, says: “Possibly a formula may be found by means of which the League of Nations may hand over to tho Ambassadors’ Conference its mandate for finding an equitable solution of tho present grave issue, but Britain in Ivor efforts to limit the dispute lias been badly served by those sections of tho British Press to which Signor Mussolini referred. Tho Chauvinism of Mr Lloyd George and the Labor Press of Britain are a danger to tho peace of Europe, and are noisier than tho sabrerattling of the Hohenzoliorna in their palmiest days. Tho danger of tho present crisis does not lie in scattering the League of Nations, but in tho possible cooling and ending of the Anglo-Italiau friendship, \vhioh° is not only a precious legacy, but a. present, necessity alike for Italy and England.” Tile ‘Daily Telegraph’ Bays: “What matters is peace, not a diplomatic victory by one side or the other. The League’s Council may well recommend the Ambassadors’ Conference to deal with the Janinrv murders and tho penalties for them, leaving the League to deliberate upon the occupation of Corfu. Franco favors this course, and it is understood that for tho sake of unity Britain is ready to accept it. It is not the murders which are threatening tho peace of Europe, but tho occupation of Corfu, and for the League Council and the Assembly, whoi both are in session, not io consider the occupation of such an important strategic island, which is dependent upon international ■guarantees, is quite inconceivable. It is absolutely unjust to suggest that certain countries, above all Great Britain, are guilty of showing hostility io Italy because of their desire to uphold the League Covenant.” Tho ‘Westminster Gazette’ says; “Britain is taking a wise and honorable course in upholding tho right of tho League of Nations to intervene in tho Give co-Italian crisis to seek a just settlement and io avoid a breach of tho peace. No kind of friendliness or support for alleged criminal is involved in suggesting that lie should ho fairly tried before ho is punished and that tbs prosecutor should not immediately arrogate to himself the functions of judge, jury, and executioner. Tho smaller Powers unanimously regard this as a tost case, and they aro hoping that tho Loa.guo will survive it triumphantly. This is not because they are dominated by Britain, but because their supremo interest is that the pact insuring tho peace of Europe should bo strengthened and not proved worthless.”—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE POSITION OP FRANCE. NOT YET DECLARED. LONDON, September 5. The Geneva correspondent of ‘Tim Times’ says that the French Government's attitude is uncertain regarding tho Corfu incident. French delegates favor tho League of Nations acting. Italy's sole ally consists of the ill-defined but easily comprehensible French uneasiness. Tomorrow will show which way Franco will swin<T and what is to become of the League and °sovcral of Die peace treaties. — 1 Tho Times. ’ ALL QUIET AT CORFU. ATHENS, September 6. Tho prefecture at Corfu telegraphed that all tho Greek civil and police authorities had resumed duty.—Reuter.

ITALY’S A!i

ANNEXATION OP FIUME. PARTS, September 6. (Received September 7, at 11.10 a.m.) A sensation had been caused by the publication of a message from iho ‘ Politika,’ the semi-official organ of the Government fa. Belgrade, detailing recent negotiations between Jngo-Slavia and Italy. In tho light of Signor Mussolini’s sabrerattling in the face of the Balkan Powers, this is regarded as extremely grave news. Tho ‘ PoLitika ’ describes Itho Italian plan as meaning that Italy is annexing tho Slate of Fiume and part of Baros. Jugo-Slavia was given till September 5 to accept the Italian plan, which was couched in tho form of an ultimatum. This the Jugo-Slavian Government cannot do.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

A NEW WAR BLOUD.

SERBIA OH GUARD. ANXIOUS FOR PEACE. PARIS, September 6. (Received September 7, at 11 a.m.) In 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. Tlie ‘Politika’ states that Serbia is on her guard. The Belgrade Government is awaiting the arrival of the Greek Minister from Athens, but ,tbo Serbian Government is determined that nothing must be done to upset the equilibrium of the Balkans. Tbo Serbian Cabinet, however, has decided not to put forward its viewpoint whilst the present conflict is before an international tribunal, and in pursuance of this policy it has not replied to the appeal for help which she received from Greece.—A. and N.Z. Cable. WARNING TO THE ALLIES. PARIS, September 6. (Received September- 7, at 11 a.m.) ‘ Le Temps’ is so impressed with the danger that it urges the Allies not to waste time in discussing the procedure in the dispute between Greece and Italy. If the new crisis becomes acute, peace will only bo maintained by perfect harmony among the Allies and a sentiment of solidarity among the nations which stood side by side durng tbo World War. If Britain foresees this eventuality, she will avoid complicating the present quarrel.— A. and N.Z. Cable.

MUSSOLINI'S EXALTED 1000.

A GRAVE WARNING. PARIS, September ,6. (Received September 7, at 11 a.m.) The ‘ Journal ties Defeats ’ says that it does not accuse Signor Mussolini of nurturing dark designs, but it is evident that ho has been carried away by an exalted mood, which was plainly demonstrated in his recent interview with the Press. Signor Mussolini’s references to the Balkan States were couched in terras which amounted to a threat. The paper warns Italy of tho risk of pursuing a policy of prestige which will involve Southern Europe in a disaster such as that which Austria precipitated in 1914. —A. and N.Z. Cable. MONTENEGRINS MAKING TROUBLE. LONDON, September 6. (Received September 7, at 11 a.m.) The ‘ Daily Chronicle’s ’ Romo correspondent says that tho Montenegrins are fomenting trouble in the Scutari district because the now boundary crosses land occupied by tho Montenegrins;—A. and N.Z. Cable. SERBIA BACKS GREECE. LONDON, September 6. The special correspondent of tho ‘ Daily Express at Athens s_ays that if the Italians remain in undisputed possession of Corfu there will undoubtedly bo serious (.rouble, ending in possibly another Balkan war, Tho Serbian newspapers are already declaring that Serbia will support Greece, add reports from Turkey snow that a section of opinion is already urging Kemal to seize tho opportunity to invade Western Thraoe.—A. and N.Z. Cable. LITTLE ENTENTE STANDS BY LEAGUE. BRAZIL AND URUGUAY WITH ITALY, GENEVA, September 6. It is understood that the Little Entente is stamMy upholding Belgium’s stand iu demanding that the council should take action iu°view of Italy’s threat to leave the League.—A. and N.Z. Cable. If tho^council docs not meet on Thursday tho Assembly will be postponed in orcler to prevent a debate from arising on tho problem until tho council has reached a decision. . The Exchange Telegraph’s Genova correspondent savs that Lord Robert Cecil s position is becoming stronger hourly. He would rally an immense majority if tho matter were raised. The French delegation is divided on the advisability of continuing to sustain the Italian viewpoint. Tho heaviest pressure is operating to induce M. Poincare to modify his Instructions to the French delegates. Brazil and Uruguay have instructed their delegates to support tho Italian thesis whole-heartedly. —A. • and N.Z. Cable. ITALY’S DETERMINATION. LONDON, September 6. Tho ‘ Daily Express’s ’ Genova correspondent says: "A high Italian authority assured me “again to-day that Italy will leave tho League rather than allow tho League to interfere. _ ‘ln that event Greece will lose Corfu for ever,’ he said. ‘The Only drawback is that tho relations with Britain might be-strained. ■ We do not fear tho Balkan States.’ ” —A, and N.Z. Cable. MUSSOLINI’S COMMENTS. ROME, Soptem.br 5. Signor Mussolini, in a statement to the Cabinet, said; “As was to be expected, my declarations yesterday )vavo caused a certain commotion in Britain and Geneva.. Their purpose was to provoke serious reflection certain, foreign elements,