LATEST SENSATION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 100, 1 September 1923, Page 5

LATEST SENSATION

ITALY’S ULTIMATUM TO GREECE WILL THERE BE WAR? Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, August 30. The rapid concentration of the Italian navy at Taranto and the notification that the fleet had been ordered to clear for action caused a sensation in European capitals, though it is recognised that technical instructions to the navy do not necessarily mean war.

The outstanding fact is that Greece is not prepared to make abject submission. Tie latest telegrams from Athens show that Greece accepts Signor Mussolini’s demand for the- payment of £600,000, but declines what site considers the humiliation of a compulsory State funeral for the murdered men and a salute to the Italian fleet.

Italian Legation officials in Athens informed the Daily Express correspondent that they are absolutely convinced that Greeks assassinated General Tellini’s party. Greek animosity for the fixing of the Graeco-Al-banian frontier has been evident for a long time, especially towards the Italian members of the commission on the ground that the basis on which the commission determined the frontier was unfavourable to Greece, and there haw been incidents daily.

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT, London, August 30. The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent points out that it is inconceivable that the Greek Government should wish to pick a quarrel when it has just managed to restore full diplomatic relations with Italy. It is mischievous to talk of wag between Greece and Italy, asS botli are members of the League of Nations, and are bound by a .solemn undertaking to submit disputes to mediation and arbitration by the League. Neither dare flout the covenant.

The Daily Express, in a leading article headed “Serajevo,” denounces Italy’s bad example and says: “The ultimatum has an ominous ting of 1914, and opinion throughout the world will regard itg precipitancy with profound regret. Presumably, Greece must give way. as she is weak and has no friends in Europe. Signor Mussolini doubtless expects to strengthen his hold on the Italians by a spirited national policy, hut if this is Fascist diplomacy ’it does not seem to differ much from international Bolshevism.”

The Daily Telegraph says the Italian Note “seems to go far beyond the demands which we might expect to be addressed to a friendly nation. Wo especially regret the tone of the semi-official statement issued in, Rome, which laid a charge of the crime directly upon the Greek Government, whom it accused oT moral if not actual complicity. We find it utterly impossible to believe the G reek Government can have had any complicity, howpvcr remote. Surely if there was an international incident suitable for reference to the League of Nations it is this.”

The Morning Post reminds Italy that in 1904, when Hull fishing boats were fired upon on the Dogger Bank by the Russian Baltic fleet, Britain submitted an outrage equally grave to an international commission. A telegram from Athens to-day (Thursday) states; “The Italian *demands have not yet been published here.”

WHO WERE THE ASSASSINS?

CREEKS DOUBT THE REPORTS. Athens, August 30. The Greek reply will be handed to the Italian Minister at midday. It rejects the statement that the crime was committed under the eves of the Greek authorities, and declares that the nearest Greek post was ten kilometres away, and separated from the scene of the crime by a thick forest. Tlie reply adds; “There is no indication that the assassins aro Greeks. If the Italian Government possesses proofs the Gipek Government will be glad to have them.” The Premier (Colon*! Gonatas). declares: “We can give moral satisfaction without implicating the country’s honor, because the crime was committed in Greek territory. For the same reason wo may grant a. money indemnity, but wo have .serious doubts whotlver the assassins aro Greeks. We presume they are Albanians.”

FRENCH PRESS OPINION. Paris, August 30. Official circles at the Qui d’Orsay point out that in Sarajevo the wo r Id already has had an example of the incalculable consequences of precipitate action ? so it is hoped Italy will combine prudence with firmness and avoid anything which may bring about war. The Journal deft 'Dehats says Signor Mussolini likes to act with the rapidity of a thunderbolt, especially when the prestige of his country is concerned, but the paper warns the Italian Premier to tread cautiously.