ANOTHER ULTIMATUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18550, 7 November 1923, Page 8

ANOTHER ULTIMATUM.

The demands presented to Bulgaria by Yugoslavia so closely resemble in character and details the penalties imposed upon Greece for a similar outrage that they inevitably suggest the inspiration of the Italian example. On August 29, two days after the murder of the Frontier Delimitation Commission, the Italian Government presented a Note to the Greek Government requiring compliance within 24 hours with terms that were universally regarded as intentionally humiliating, and, upon Greece replying with a counter proposal, a second ultimatum was presented allowing only five hours from 4 p.m. on August 31 for unconditional acquiescence. In fact, at that hour, Italy proceeded to enforce sanctions by the bombardment and occupation of Corfu. Diplomatic activity succeeded in obtaining an alleviation of the more drastic conditions, and, allowing for the different circumstances, the Yugoslav ultimatum seems to be a careful paraphrase of the terms with which Greece complied, even to the reference of the question of indem nity to the International Court of Justice. On the available evidence, it appears that a grave assault has been committed upon an emissary of the Yugoslav Government-, for whose personal safety the Bulgarian authorities are responsible. But there has not been any suggestion that Bulgaria proposes to refuse the public expiation demanded by international < custom. Why then should Yugoslavia demand compliance with rigorous terms within 48 hours? In spite of the apparent success of Italian diplomatic methods, it might have been supposed that Yugoslavia, recalling her experience in July, 1914, would have a superstitious (horror of the 48-hour ultimatum, Her action is, however, probably typical of the nervous tension in the Balkans. Unfortunately, there is a danger that feelings elsewhere may be no less strained, and that instead of recognising the demands as the formulation of a legitimate measure of compensation, Bulgaria may decide to interpret them as deliberately provocative.