Italian Bloodlust

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 1, 3 September 1923, Page 5

Italian Bloodlust

CORFU SHELLED. GREEK CITIZENS KILLED. Press Association— Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Rome, September 2Au official statement says Corfu was not surrendered within the time Tjimit and the Italian squadron, after blank shots, fired a few rounds with light guns and killed or wounded" a dozen Greek citizens, because the authorities had not removed the population in spite of warnings from the squadron. London, August 31. I Tho Greek report states that Corfu was shelled for half an hour. Fifteen were killed. Tire Romo correspondent of the Times states that tho fleet has sailed under sealed o dera!

Newspapers from Brindisi nay the Creek steomer TTtromidos, which should have sailed for Greece last evening, has baen detained by tho authorises. An Italian steamer cleared for Levant ports, but was ordered to proceed direct to Constantinople without touching at Greece.

BREACH OF INTERNATIONAL LAW., SERIOUB ITALIAN ACTION. Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, September 1. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Italan action at Corfu certainly constitutes a grave breach of international law, whereto Britain cannot remain indifferent. "Under Article 2 of the Treaty of March 29, 1861, it was declared that the islands of Corfu and Pavo would enjoy perpetual neutrality. I hinted yesterday that Italy wa s credited with harboring secret "designs on Corfu, but refused io believe ; such a sinister motive was behind Italian indignation over the assassih'atTions. The occupation is, however, now ah accomplished fact, ■ and its inevitable result will be to place a most serious strain upon international relations, and even Anglo-Italian relations.

"Britain could not afford to remain indifferent to a foreign occupation of Corfu, firstly, because she is one of the guarantors of its neutrality ; secondly, because Corfu is in a strategic position which could bo easily misused by any but a small Power by its seizure. "Signer Mussolini is, in effect, challenging an international settlement of signal importance to British Sea power, as also to the military security of Greece and Albania and Servia, for Servia cannot fail to grasp that the ultimate objective of such occupation would bo contrary to her vital interests.

"Signor MussoKni is creating for his country a future! as perilous! as that created for the Austro-Hungar-lan monarchy by its ultimatum to Sorvia; nor iff"this all. Ttaly, by the occupation of Corfu, has already defied the League of Nations. There is no need to point out that a conflagration, onoo started, would, spread to the whole of Danubian Europe, whore ex-Allies and ex-ene-mies, for instance, Bulgaria and Hungary, might quickly become involved and embroiled."

ITALIAN TROOPS LAND. Athens, September 2. Five thousand Italian troops landed at Corfu from fifteen naval vessels. The Greek garrison, numbering a hundred and fifty, fled to the interior. A prefect and ten officon were taken prisoners. The victims 0; the bombardment number thirtyone. Hie Italian admiral has prohibited Greek vessels passing through the strait of Otranto, and also between Corfu and the Greek mainland. ; ' , TEMPORARY OCCUPATION. Rome, September 1. Admiral Solari, commanding the troops in Corfu, in a proclamation to the itslanderS, declared the occupation was necessitated by the barbarous murdors*. It was not an aot of war, but simply a manifestation of Italy's inflexible will to obtain reparation. The occupation will remain temporary and peaceful unless the attitude of the islanders obliges special measure.-; to proteot Italian troops. s

GREEK STEAMER FIRED ON. CHILDREN KILLED IN CORFU. Athens, September 1. An Italian submarine in the Gulf of Odumeniiza fired on the Greek steamer Georgios, slightly damaging her. Telegraphic communication between Corfu and Athens has been cut. It is assorted the Italian's bombarded the- forts denuded of guns in aeeortl aneo with the Florence convention, although tho Italians were informed tbo foiio were inhabited by refugee orphans. A number of tig latter were killed,

It Is variously reported that the Governor of Corfu and ten officers are detained on board an Italian warehjip. Greece has. protested to tho Powers against the bombardment of unfortified foils, the killing of refugees and tho violation of international law.

DANCER OF CIVIL WAR.

London, September 1

The Sofia correspondent of the Sunday Express reports that the murderers of General Tellini were commanded by officers of the Greek rosorves. It is alleged a member of the delegation W(as tortured before being killed. Many Albanian bands, ave preparing to avenge the murder and defend in blood the delimitation decision. If Greece refuses satisfaction tho bands will take action. There is dagger, therefore, of an outbreak of oivil war, which might easily be transferred to Macedonia. LEAGUE COUNCIL MEETS. > London, September 1. The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that tho twenty-sixth session of the League of Nations Council opened to-day, nil tho members being present except Signer Salandra, who WAs absent through (indisposition. It is hoped that Signor Salandra. will be able to attend on Saturday, when the question will be raised of the League takmg Up the Greco-Ttalian dispute. In. view of articles eleven and twelve tho League must act, unless, in the meantime, Greece and Italy reach a satisfactory settlement.