Evening star., 1917-06-01
ENVOY TELLS HOW
ITALY AIDED ALLIES
Minister CiuffeIIi Cites Part in
Saving Paris From
Germans.
HELP TO RUSSIA, TOO

Italy was instrumental in saving
Paris from German occupation, and her
Intervention in the war averted the
early crippling of Russia, in the opin-
ion of Augusta Ciuffellf. member Of the
Italian mission. leading figure in 1tal-
ian political life for many years and
member of the Italian cabinet.
Declaring that it remains for this
generation to preserve the gifts OF
democracy and liberty achieved in the
last century by nations of the world.
Minister Ciuffelli today addressed to
the American people. through Wash
which. he said. us full expression of
the consciousness of the Italian gov
ernment and the Italian nation
'1taly's contribution to the war has
been important from the beginning,
he said, 'and has been decisive fac
tor in the conflict. Without declara-
tion of neutrality on the part of Italy.
France could not have used for the
battle of the Marine the half million
men along the Italian frontier who
were diverted to help restrain the Ger
mans from entering Paris.
Without the Intervention OF Italy IN
May. 1915, the German and Austrian
armies would have been left to pursue
the Russians, already retreating, re-
ducing her. even at that time. to q
Has 10000 Men at Front.
ITALY has 4,ooo,o 900 men fighting along
a frontier of $40 kilometers, more than
the combined French and Belgian fronts.
The battles in the Trentino, Gorizia and
Carso operations were fought against
Austrians intrenched in formidable posi-
nd 1v
yard of land we have advanced has cost
us severe losses We have contributed
hundreds of thousands of our men. dead
or wounded. We have spent millions for
posed upon the people Of our country all
the taxes necessary for a guarantee of
payment Of our debts. You know how our
people have accepted these levies with a
wonderful spirit Of sacrifice"
In regard to the charges that Italy
has been slow in getting into action it
was pointed out that her frontier not
only is. the longest but the hardest
among the defenses of the allied
Some of our heavy guns are fighting
from an elevation of more than two
miles. on peaks 5000 feet high. Our
have been cut through solid Ice or
blasted through rocks" said Minister
Ciuffelli.
eff Italy had been inspired by the
lust of conquest she could easily have
Joined with Germany, whose victory
would have been tremendously facili-
tated by her intervention. But Italy
could not take part in the aggrcs-
sions of Austria upon Serbia or aid
IN war started by the invasion OF
Belgium. contrary to the principles to
which Germany herself had subscribed.
Early Advocated Liberty of Nations.
Minister ciuffelH pointed to pro-
nouncements by himself and by other
public men of Italy early in the world
war that sounded the call to world con-
centration against German domination.
similar to the memorable address OF
President Wilson to the United States
Senate.
we early subscribed to the principle
that nations no longer must fight wars.
distrust each other. but they must live
tegether in the knowledge, that liberty
all the world. or at least the majority
Of nations. for the common veal" he
said.
In conclusion Minister Ciuffelli said
the entry of the United States into the
war added a moral and political in
fluence which had made even nobler
the cause Of the allies. and declared
Americas Intervention has signifi-
canoe and Importance which are prom
inent in the minds of the allies.
"The United States" he said, "has
been outside the contentious and dis
sensions of European nations. and in
her intervention only for the highest
finalities Of civilization she has signed
a historic page in the history of this
world, which will come out of the strug-
gle free to move toward new progress
and social Justice
Reach Agreement on Coal.
Basis of agreement has virtually
been reached, 1t was learned today, on
the degree to which this country can
meet the urgent needs of Italy for coal.
Conferences also have reached the
stage where it is possible that another
loan of $100,000.000 will be made to
Italy in June, and that, in spending
this sum in the United States. italy
will Join the common. purchasing
agency of all allied nations.
Tomorrow the Italian mission will
visit the House of Representatives.
The House will meet at IL and recess
at 11:45 to meet the commissioners.
The House has set aside a half hour
for their reception. This evening they
will be the guests at a dinner given by