Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-22
PRESIDENT WINS
FORE|GNLEADERS
Italians More Friendly and
New Ties Created With
French and English.
ENDS FEAR OF DICTATI0N
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

Copyright by New York Evening Post, 1918.
PARIS, December President
Wilson has impressed Premier Orlando
and Baron Sonnino, the foreign minis
ter of Italy, with his earnest desire te
see that justice is done in the settle
ment of all problems concerned with
peace, and one Of the results OF his
conference with them is a feeling OF
confidence that Italy will work very
closely with the United States to see
that the fourteen points are realized.
Questions of territory were not dis
cussed at the meeting. but only gen
era1 principles were mentioned, to
which both the Italian premier and
Baron Sonnino expressed their ad-
herence. 1t is evident that Mr.. Will
son is endeavoring to create an ar
of good feeling among statesmen
upon whom the responsibility for ne
gotiations will rest.
Cordiality and Sympathy.
1t is already noticeable as a result
of his conferences with Premier
Clemenceau that in quarters where
week ago apprehension and potential
hostility existed the feeling is now
one of cordiality and sympathy for
the American point of view. 1t would
not be surprising if Premier Clemen-
ceau and Mr.. Wilson developed
close friendship, enabling them to ex-
anime all problems in a spirit of mu-
tual confidence.
Mr.. Wilson's Difference to Premier
Lloyd George in making his visit to
England is courtesy that ought to
impress British statesmen with the
closer contact with them. SO that
English-speaking peoples may give
their early support to the fundamen-
tails of a lasting peace.
The conference of Mr.. Wilson with
Premier Orlando and Baron Sonnino
Cellere, Italian ambassador to Amer
ica, who acted as interpreter. The
idea of a league of nations was dis
cussed and generally the principles
which are to govern in the treatment
of oppressed peoples and struggling
races in central Europe. The Italians
left greatly impressed with the sense
of justice manifested by Mr.. Wilson,
and while they projected detailed
solution of the much-mooted Italian
front, Italian public opinion is so
strongly in Mr.. Wilson's favor that
wha tever the program he proposes is
likely to be supported by the Italian
popu1ace.
Terms of Treaty of London.
The Italians claim that the treaty
of London drew a line which was the
result of a compromise with Russia,
w bjcb tbap rapraSaptad tho Slavic in
terests, and was made with the ex-
pectation that some day there would
be a revolt against the Hapsburgs
which would require an outlet to the
sea for the Jugo-Slavs.
The Italians declare that the latter
have sufficient outlet to the Adriatic
in Fiume and that giving Fiume,
which is historically an Italian city,
was a concession made in the interest
of Mr.. Wilson's principle of giving
access to the sea to small nations.
England and France are both pledg-
ed to give Italy the line in question
and there is little likelihood that Mr..
Wilson will insist on much change.
although Italians say they are will
ing to discuss with him a ratifica-
tion of the frontier and leave it to
him to reconcile the conflicting aspt-
rations of the Jugo-Slavs and Italy.
This is but another indication of the
immense power of President Wilson
as an arbiter. due to the fact that he
sense of Justice. The Italian govern
ment was very anxious to cement
friendly relations with America and
undoubtedly will follow the American
program with respect to freedom of the
seas and league of nations.
Italians Desire Visit.
The Italians are eager to have Mr..
Wilson visit their country. His plans
are somewhat disarranged, owing to
the promised visit to England at the
end of this month, but he is likely
to go to Rome afterward and to util-
ize the next fortnight in visits of
courtesy. The President had believed
it possible to get down to business
first and do little sightseeing la
ter, but the unreadiness of the En-
glish because of the electoral cam
paign. in which the votes will not be
counted until December %, has caused
him to change his plans
Thus far there has been progress to-
ward making peace tangibly secure.
but it can be said that Mr.. Wilson's
effort to impress European states
men that his position is not one OF
dictatlop is succeeding in winning
their confidence and cooperation.
1t may be said that the informal
conferences have begun auspiciously
and in a mood that means that the
United States and the allies are de-
termined to reach an agreement
among themselves by practical com
promises, SO that when Germany is
admitted to the conferences no doubt
Will exist anywhere as to the terms
which ought to be imposed in order
to guarantee lasting peace.