Evening star., 1918-02-24
ADR|AT|C SOLUTION
MOST IMPORTANT
Problem Touches Intimately
Peace of WorId-Of Inter-
national Interest.

BY EDGAR ANSEL MOWRER.
Cablegram to The Sunday Star and
Chicago Daily News. Copyright, 1918.
ROME. Italy, February 22.-The solu-
tion Of the Adriatic problem is so i'm
portant for Italy that it must be con-
sidered as an international question
the solution Of which touches intimate
ly the peace Of the world. This is the
real reason why Italy holds so tena-
ciously to its claims on Dalmatia and
the islands. It is therefore important
control to be assured of protecting its
coasts. It is necessary to remember,
too. that the italian foreign affairs Of
icials have not yet communicated the
text Of the treaty to the world. SO that
although the treaty has been publish
ed tho members of the government and
officials are not at liberty to make
precise statements concerning its
terms.
This afternoon Admiral p. Thaon di
ReveL chief of star of the Italian fleet.
or as we should say. commander-in-
chief Of tho naval forces, received me
in his office in Rome. The admiral is
face and eyes that twinkle. He speaks
many languages. among them English.
Asked as to Adriatic.
\ what can do for your he asked
Explain to me briefly the Adriatic
problem considered from purely
naval standpoint" replied.
BE more precise" the admiral said
smilingly.
Talk as If you were teacher in
naval academy, and I dull pupil
what is Italy's position in the Ad-
riatic?'
"Disadvantageous in every way.
Whoever controls the other shore con-
trolls the Adriatic. Our two bases. Ven
while the entire shore behind the Dali
matian Islands is one long base only
fifty knots from our coasts. How can
we possibly prevent raids? Even the
into the water in Dalmatia drift
against our coast. Moreover, the water
on the east side is clear while on our
side it Is somewhat turgid. Conse-
quently our submarines can be seen
when they go to attack while theirs
remain invisible. Lastly, since most
of the attacks are made in the morn
ing the position Of the sun is favorable
to them.
Islands equalize matters?'
Surely, because they prevent the
use of the channels behind them"
Have the islands any value in them
selves or as naval bases?"
"a few of the larger ones have some
value; all can be used as bases fer
small craft, but modern warfare has
rather outgrown them. They are far
more important as constituting screens
ia TO
Tho people on all Of them are Italian
speaking"
Politics Not His Business.
"wonld italian possession of the
islands before Fumes harbor for ex-
ample, render the use of the naval base
Impossible? You know that is accord
The admiral SMILED as he replied:
cellency. Baron Sonnino. has not COM
the treaty to me, even
though it has been read in the cham
ber."
are the most italian Of the Dalmation
towns?"
"Zara and Ragusa." (Ragusa is by
the treaty left to whoever governs the
other shore-possibly the Jugo-Slavs)
Let me ask you another question.
Does the possession Of Valona enable
you to close the Straits of Otranto?"
mo channel can be closed today on
account Of the submarines. The Straits
of Otranto are in some spots 1000
meters &C miles) deep. valona must
serve as center for the redemption of
Albania. must go now"
"One last question. We're you satis-
fed with the results Of the recent naval
in Rome?'
Completely. Not only was Italy sat
isfied, but the ideas Of all the nations
were identical as to the
plans. These conferences are very use
full We hopeito have them frequently
not on stated dates, but from time to
time. Your Admiral Sims Is very friend
ly and pleasant"
"IIe is without pretense." I said.
"Yes, and also outspoken. I enjoyed
him. Goodbye; come and see
me again?"
II Appearances count for anything
Italy has chosen her chief admiral well.