Evening star., 1915-03-19
AUSTRIA RES|STS
GERMAN REQUEST
Possible Territorial Conces-
sions to Italy Discussed
With Teuton Chancellor.
PROMISE OF NEUTRALITY
IS DESIRED BY VIENNA
Rome Paper Declares Condition De-
manded L. Absolutely Unacceptable.
Says Pledges We're Broken.

Says Pledges We're Broken.
PARIS. March 19.-The Austrian gov
ernment is resisting energetically
pressure exerted by Germany to in
duce her to make territorial conces-
sions to Italy. Count Andrassy, former
premier Of Hungary, and several other
statesmen representing the dual mon
archy are reported to have gone to Ber-
lin to discuss the problem with Chan
cellor Won Bethmann- Hollweg and For
eign Minister Won Jagow.
1t is reported at Geneva that if other
negotiations fail the German chancel-
lor contemplates trip to Vienna IN
the hope that he may convince Emperor
Francis Joseph that it is necessary for
Austria to consent to the sacrlf1ces
asked.
Austria is continuing her work of forti-
flying all along the italian frontier with
increased activity. Large numbers OF
troops and artillery have recently arrived
at Riva and Goritza and the frontier gar
risons have been considerably REIN
forced.
Urge Rupture With Germany.
The Geneva Tribune says it is inform
ed that pan-Germanists in Austria are
in violent conflict with Szech Transyl-
vanian deputies, who are clamoring TOT
a rupture with Germany and the con-
clusion Of separate peace.
What purports to be an outline OF
Austrias attitude with relation to the
cession of territory to italy is Gon- i
hyna dated Vienna but telegraphed
from the frontier.
| The statement is made that Austria,
without rejecting upon Italian good
| faith, contends it is only natural that
the dual monarchy. if she is ready to
grant territorial compensation, should
wish to insure Italian neutrality. For
| this reason, the dispatch says, Austria
| feels she should carry out her part OF
| the proposed agreement only when an
! Italian pledge of neutrality Is fuinlled,
especially in view of the fact that the
cession Of the province OF Trent would
| imply a weakening of Austrian mill-
| tary resources with regard to Italy.
! Called Unacceptable.
Commenting upon this report. the
Tribuna says the condition which Austria
demands is absolutely unacceptable. and
| if maintained would make impossible any
friendly agreement. No ministry would
accept as a satisfaction Of national
aspirations simple promise to be car
ried out at the end Of q war the results
of which no one can foresee, the news
paper argues.
"The Austro-German point of view"
| the Tribuna says. rs wrong, because they
| think Italy is asking compensation for
! neutrality. The problem is totally diff
! ferent Austria provoked the war through
aggression against Serbia, partly against
| repeated Italian warnings and partly
without Italy's knowledge.
! Contrary to Pledges.
This action &as entirely contrary to
mutual Italy-Austrian pledges, and con-
ficted with the fundamental interests Of
Italy Thus the European equilibrium
was upset. and radical changes in the
map Of Europe are inevitable.
| Italy sacrificed her national aspira-
| tions by adhering to the triple alliance
for the sake Of preserving that European
equilibrium. Since Austria shattered it
Italy can no longer postpone the realiza-
ton Of those aspirations"
"Mess of Pottage," Not Desired.
| In another editorial article discuss
ing the position of Italy with relation
| to the European war the Rome Gior-
| male DItalia says:
4
| immediate and certain satisfaction OF
| her sacred aspirations, together with
| the protection of her great and COM
| plex interests, or she can have recourse
| to the supreme test of arms. 1t is alb
! surd to think that Italy after seven
| months of preparations when she is in
| an especially advantageous diplomatic
| and military position. will be satisfied
with the biblical mess of pottage, or
| less-mere promises.
Interests Must Be Guarded.
! However negotiations go, the great
| national interests must be protected at
any cost, This is the firm will of the
country and the duty of the govern
ment. For fifty years Italy made great
sacrifices to be an element of peace In
| Europe, The equilibrium and peace OF
the continent were broken through the
fault of others against Italy's desire
and without consulting her. Others
have the responsibility for the present
terrible crisis, but Italy would be un-
| worthy If she did not issue with honor
and advantage from the conflict.
greece, Rumania and Bulgaria are
| .waitinr Italy's move and will follow
suir Thus Italian influence is great at
| This moment, which must be seized as
| If is in her power to contribute to the
| formation of a new international ar
raneement.''