ADRIATIC PROBLEM.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14190, 26 April 1919, Page 5

ADRIATIC PROBLEM.

The Pact of London.

WILSON EXPLAINS HIS ATTITUDE

.APPEALS FOR MAGNANIMITY,. GENEROSITY" AND JUSTICE.

{Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Friday, S p.m.) PARIS, April 21. • President Wilson has issued a lengthy statement dealing with the Adriatic problem. 'io points out that Italy entered the war upon the basis of a definite private understanding with Britain and France known as the Pact of London. • "'Since that," he says, "the whole circumstances have altered, and many other Powers have entered the struggle with, no knowledge of that private understanding. The Austro-Hungarian Empire—then an enemy of Europe and at whose expense the Pact was to be kept in the event of victory —has gone to pieces. Not only -that N but from several parts of that Empire it is now agreed by Italy and her associates shall be created independent States and associates in the League of Nations, not allied with those who were recently our enemies. They are to be among the , smaller States whose interests nenceforth ate to be scrupulously- safeguarded. The Avar wos ended by an armistice and peace with Germany on clearly defined principles was proposed. Therefore we cannot ask the great body of Powers to propose peace with Austria, and establish a new basis of independence and right in the States which originally constituted the Aus-tro-Hungarian Empire, and the States of the Balkan group on principles of another kind. If these principles are to be adhered to, Fiume must serve as the outlet and inlet of commerce, not •of Italy, but of the lands north and north-west of that port; for Hungary. Bohemia, Rumania, and the States of the new Jugo-Slavia group. If Fiume is assigned to Italy it would create a feeling that we put that port, upon which all those countries depended for access to the Mediterranean, in the hands of a Power of which it is not an integral part, and whose sovereignty must inevitably seem foreign, not domestic or identified with the commercial and industrial life of the regions which the port must serve. It was for these reasons Fiume was not included in the Pact of London." Elaborating these arguments, President Wilson says the rfew plan of European order centring in the League of Nations will provide against any unfair treatment of Italian nationals in these regions. He points out that through her sacrifices and those of her Allies, Italy's ancient unity lias been restored. Her frontiers have been restored to the great walls which are her natural defence. President Wilson appeals to Italy to extend to the newly liberated peoples across the Adriatic magnanimity, friendly generosity and the preference of justice over interest. The Allied nations had made supreme sacrifices, not for national advantage nor defence, but for a settled peace of the world. America, as initiator of poace, has the compulsion upon her to square every decision with the principles he enunciated, and can do nothing else. He trusts and believes that Italy vViil ask for nothing but what is unmistakably consistent with these sacred obligations. Only on such lines can the world's peace be made secure. LONDON, April 24. Rome telegrams report a tremendous demonstration in the city demanding Fiume and Dalmatia. The Mayor addressed the multitude, and declared that Italy would refuse anv diminuatiou of her national rights.' Troops guarded the Entente Embassies.

PARIS, April 24

Signer Orlando states tTiat throe Powers have granted Italv's final minimum except Fiume. which was to he left a free port. The next event wns President Wilson 'a manifesto, which Signor Orlando had first seen in tho evening pane*-. He explains that he was not breaking "with the Allies', but it was siirterfhioTn to discuss matters with President Wilson. • Sieruor Orlrmdo will summon the Italian Parliament to meet immediately.

ITALIANS STAND FIRM. WILSON'S UNBENDING OPPOSITION, [Aaet. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received PARIS, April 23. President Wilson issued a statement because he considered that Italian residents in America, as well as in Italy, might gain a wrong conception of his attitude over the Adriatic question. PARIS, April 23. Mr Murdoch writes, in reference to President Wilson's statement on the Adriatic question: President Wilson said on Monday that he intended to make a statement if tho Italians persisted in their claims to Fiume. Mr Lloyd George attempted to mediate, and then advised tho Italians to abandon their claim in view of President Wilson's unbending opposition. He also urged President Wilson to give time for negotiations, but President Wilson, without further consultation, distributed his statement, asserting that his yiosition is being misunderstood throughout the world. Tho statement has therefore been issued with the knowledge but "without the consent of the Council of Four. Mr Lloyd George lias authorised the following statement: "The Treaty of London allotted Finnic to Croatia, but the Italians occupied it, Britain and France informed Italy that they do not support her claims to Fiume, and also think it against her best interest to insist noon having the Adriatic Islands and Dalmatia, though they will abide bv the letter of the treaty if Italy insists." Mr Murdoch add*: "Britain and France again urged the Italians to reconsider her attitude. Italy's financial, food and coal requests being principally addressed, to America,, give President Wilson additional power over the situation." ROME, April 24. The King of Italy and a large number of both Houses of Parliament have telegraphed to Signor Orlando urging him to stand firm.