New-York tribune., 1908-04-20
A MOVE ON ASIA MINOR
L4RGE ITALIAN FLEET.
Nineteen Warships to Force Terms
from the Sultan.

Rome April 19-An Italian fleet under COM
mand of Admiral F. Grenet will probably sail
tomorrow for Asia Minor to make demon
stration in Turkish waters. The fleet comprises
nineteen warships, and includes the battleship
Regina Elena. commanded by the Duke of the
Abruzzi. Eight destroyers have been added TO
the original plans for the expedition bringing the
number of men up to nearly seven THOUSAND,
with about five hundred big guns, 1t is ex-
pected that the demonstration will begin on
Thursday.
1t has bee decided if necessary, to occupy a
small island off that coast. but it is hoped here
that Turkey may see the error of her ways and
give full satisfaction, that more energetic
measures may be avoided
The difficulty between the two nations arises
out of the refusal of the Turkish government to
permit the establishment of Italian postOffces in
Turkish territory, while other foreign nations
have opened postofices there without interfer
ence
Much irritation has been caused here also by
the murder of an Italian missionary in Tripoi
and the persecution by the Ottoman authorities
Of natives who have sold land to Italians but
the present action of the italian government is
based primarily on the pOstoffce question. The
Turkish Amba ssador in Rome has pointed out
that his government has not granted to the
countries in question such privilege, although it
has tolerated" the postoffices which they have
maintained
For years it has been felt in government cir
ces in Rome that Turkey has heen taking ai-
vantage of the international situation to act in
a high handed manner toward Italians. showing
little respect for their rights This government
it is said, has been fnduIgent. not wishing to
cause complications which might endanger the
accord Of the powers regarding the Ottoman or
the Balkan problems. In addition there has
been much opposition Oh the part OF Turkey to
III peaceful Italian initiative in Tripoli Matters
reached climax when Italy asked for permis-
sion to open postofiices in Turkish territory
where other powers already were established.
and met what the administration here considers
an unjustiiable refusal. Italy considering that
she is entitled to such a claim under treaties
granting her the privileges of the most favored
nation.
To this provocation the Italian administra ton
felt that it could reply only with coercive meas
ures in order to protect the dignity of Italy and
safeguard her rights. In issuing orders for a
demonstration of Italian warships in Turkish
waters Italy desired clearly to show that she did
not wish to take advantage of the situation for
the purpose of occupying any territory The
demonstration will, therefore, not be made off
Tripoli, and il is not intended to influence the
Balkan problems by directing the fleet toward
Albania Macedonia The squadron will go
direct to Asia Minor
Great satisfaction is felt here and il is said
that all the powers have approved Italv's de
cision to use force. if necessary. to protect her
interests. This is indication that they be-
lieve that Italy has intention of permanent
territorial occupation.