Evening star., 1915-05-24
ITALY ANNOUNCES
WAR WITH AUSTRIA
First Official Information to
United States Forwarded
by Ambassador Page.
KINGDOMS NEXT MOVE
AWAITED WITH INTEREST
President Wilson to Issue Proclama
ton of Neutrality-Swiss Repub-
lie Probably Isolated.

The American governments first Of
| fetal Information of Italy's declaration
of war on Austria arrived today in a
| message from Ambassador Page, at
Rome. It was dispatched late yester-
day afternoon, and said the italian
foreign minister had informed the am
bassador that after midnight ITALY
| would consider herself at war with
Austria"
Italy's first military move following
her declaration of war was awaited
with tense interest here today.
italian Ambassador Gives Notice.
Count di Cel1ere. the Italian ambassa-
dor. formally notified the State Depart
ment today on behalf Of his govern
ment of state of war between Italy
and Austria.
The ambassador expects to receive
soon full statement Of the reasons for
Italy's entrance into the war and pre-
contraband. He expressed the conf
dence that there would be no difficulties
between the United States and Italy
over commercial questions.
There Is confidence in Italian quar-
ters that II Rumania. as has been the
understanding for some time. follows
Italys lead, she need not fear an at
tack by Bulgaria Details Of the pos
sible alignment of the Balkan states
are lacking, because 1t is understood
negotiations are constantly in progress
at Bucharest, Sofia and Athens relative
to the attitude of Rumania, Bulgaria
and Greece, and the situation, conse-
quently, is likely to change from day
to day.
Drafting Neutrality Proclamation.
Announcement of Italy's action did
not come as a surprise to officials here.
where for weeks 1t had been apparent
that the negotiations between Italy
and Austria would end in a declaration
of war. Official notification from Am
bassador Page at Rome of Italy's ao-
ton was awaited before the issuance
by President Wilson of neutrality
proclamation. Finishing touches were
being put upon the document today.
effect Of the new operations on the
conflict as a whole. and the possible
attitude Of Rumania, Bulgaria and
Greece
The opening of hostillties between
Austria and Italy had so long been
forecast that American business in
terests had made preparations for the
severance of communications.
The United States government, in ac-
cordance with requests received nearly
a month ago, will now take over the
custody of Italian diplomatic and con-
sular interests in Austria, and Austrian
interests In Italy. arranging for the
care of prisoners and the safe conduct
of consuls and diplomatic officers and
the protection OF embassy archives.
1t is taken for granted in diploma tic
quarters here that as a result of the
declaration of war against Austria,
Germany and Turkey. as the allies Of
that country. will announce a state CT
war with Italy. Switzerland then will
look after German interests in Rome
while the United States is expected to
take charge of Italian interests in Ber-
lin and Constantinople
Attitude Toward Commerce.
One of the subjects on which informa-
tion is awaited with much interest is
the attitude of Italy toward the naval
operations of the allies, whether Italy
will subscribe TO the order in council
making impossible all commercial In
tercourse with Germany and Austria
through the Mediterranean, and wheth-
er the same rigid rules as to contra
band will be enforced by the Italian
fleet as by the Anglo-French fleet.
Concern Over Switzerland's Plight.
The situation Of Switzerland Is likely
should the same rules as to ultimate
destination Of cargoes be put into ef-
feet with respect to shipments con-
signed for transshipment through
Italian ports as imposed by the allies
the little republic isolated in the center
of Europe without sea outlet may suf-
fer seriously. Already there has been
much difficulty in getting supplies to
Switzerland. and It is believed Switzer-
| land will press hard for arrangements
with the French and Italian govern
ments to obtain products, giving guar
antees against re-exportation.
The cutting off Of commerce to Ger
many and Austria through the Medi-
terranean. 1t is thought in allied quar-
ters hero, will soon be seriously felt by
| the central powers and may even COM
pel a conclusion Of peace earlier than
might otherwise have been the case,
| The entrance OF Rumania, shutting of
| a wheat supply from southeastern Eu-
rope, would be another important factor.
| factor.
Greece May Aid Allies.
The Grecian ministry Is understood
to be nearly ready to assist the allies.
though King Constantin personally is
said to be pledged to maintain ~
| trality In view of the kings critical
| illness, the belief has prevailed that
Rumania's entrance would be followed
| by that of Greece. counterbalancing
any attack Bulgaria might attempt on
| Rumania.
| These Balkan countries, 1t is not be-
| lieved here, will definitely decide their
course of action until the situation at
| the Dardanelles has developed further,
! for they are believed to be deeply in
] terested in whether Russia is to obtain
Constantinople.
While the details Of Italy's nogotia-
| tions with Austria are not known here.
the general trend of the parleys and
the certainty that they would end in a
| declaration Of war has been apparent
| to officials for many weeks To only a
narrow circle of officials. however, has
il been known that a tentative agree
ment was made with the allies by italy
| whereby the latter country would enter
the war some time during the month OF
May This agreement is understood 10
have been signed late in April.