CLAIM TO CARINTHIA

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22611, 16 May 1945, Page 5

CLAIM TO CARINTHIA

MILITARY GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION POSTED

(United Press Assn,—Klee. Tel. Copyright; (Received May 16, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 15 Marshal Tito is repeating uis Trieste tactics in Klagenfurt, which is the first town oi any importance the Eighth Army occupied after the surrender of the German armies under General Vietinghoff, says a Daily Express correspondent from Klagenfurt. Marshal Tito with Klagenfurt is claiming the whole Austrian province of Carinthia, where his units were active under the German occupation. Partisans are busy establishing their own military Government side by side but apparently in conflict with the British Military Government for this part of Austria. Proclamations in German and English signed by Field-Marshal Alexander are posted on the town hall walls. Alongside them are Marshal Tito’s proclamations in Slovene and German informing the population: “ The Yugoslav Army entered Carinthia to cleanse the land of Nazi criminals and guarantee for the en- ! tire Slovene and Austrian populaI tion true and popular democracy, | freedom and prosperity in a new ! victorious and stronger and greater Yugoslavia.” Must Obey Government The proclamation goes on to say that Carinthia’s liberation is the result of one year’s fighting by the partisans and adds that the Yugoslav commander has established a military Government, which the population must obey. An American Press correspondent at Klagenfurt says the Yugoslav military authorities are operating as though the Eighth Army did’ not exist, although British military police are at every intersection and the overwhelming military strength in this area is British. The Italian Premier, Signor Bonpmi, offered tonight to re-open discussions with the Yugoslav Government on the problem of Trieste, “ when the passions of war have passed,” says a British United Press Rome correspondent. Signor Bonomi argues that Britain, America and Russia should approve Italy’s position in maintaining her territories as the result of the signatures to the Atlantic Charter. Signor Bonomi, with the Foreign Minister, De Gaspari and other members of the Government supporting him, gave the most elaborate press conference ever arranged in liberated Rome. Facing 100 journalists, he talked passionately for a quarter of an hour on the Trieste question. It was obviously an official effort to strike a dramatic Italian blow for Trieste at a time when Italy is feeling the greatest satisfaction for the strong line Britain and America have taken. Other Storm Centres Trieste, one of those pinpoints on the earth’s surface containing enough dynamite to blow up the world, comes into the Same category as Danzig and Sudetenland, says the Daily Mail in an The British and American Governments are determined that Trieste shall not develop into another Danzig The point in question has nothing to do with Trieste. The point involved is whether Europe and the world are to be settled by passion and not by reason. Trieste does not stand alone. There are at least five other storm centres, apart from the big question of the Polish Government. The Russians have occupied the Danish island of Bornholm, commanding the western approaches to the Baltic. The Lublin Poles are taking over Frank-furt-on-Oder, thus anticipating the expected decision to place Foland’s western borders on the Odar Line. A Russian - sponsored government has been established in Vienna without the agreement of the other Allies.