ITALY AND AUSTRIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 21 May 1915, Page 8

ITALY AND AUSTRIA.

HISTORY OF THE NEGOTIATIONS

THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT

(Received May 21, 12.30 p.m.)

ROME, May 20. The Green Book states that Italy on December 9th pointed out to Aufetria that the latter's advance into Servia violated the Triplice treaty. After the subject had "dragged on, Austria, on March 9th, consented to discuss compensation and Itabj, formulated claims, but Austria refused immediate cession. Germany, oil the twentieth, undertook to guarantee execution after the Avar. Baron Sonnino demanded concrete proposals, and Austria and Italy made proposals and counter proposals, as cabfed earlier. Italy, "on April 2nd, believed that the rumors of a separate peace between Austria and Russia, had some foundation, and insisted on an early reply. Austria refused all demands exceDt regarding a small portion of Trenttino, and immediate cession was not even mentioned.

The Italian Ambassador on April sth informed the Government that Austria did not believe Italy would fight, and was again delaying discussions. Italy thereupon closed negotiations and later denounced the Triple Alliance treaty, on the ground' that Austria had delivered an ultimatum to Servia, without informing Italy, and in contempt of Italy's advice of moderation, thus disturbing the status quo in the Balkans and creating a new situation from which only Austria could hope to profit.