New-York tribune., 1918-11-14
Peace Programme Expected
To Be F liked Before arley
Smaller Nations Are Likely to Get Consideration Only
After Issues of Central Powers and Turke, Are Decided
Ausro-H Hungarian Problem Most Difficult of All
Especial Dispatch to The Tr;oxne)

Especial Dispotc
| WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.-The pro-
gramme of the peace conference will
be arranged between the Allies and the
United States before the sessions are
inaugurated, in the belief Of diplo-
mats here. Previous understanding
upon the subjects to be treated and
the order in which they are to be dis
cussed is held to be necessary; in the
first place, to save time and also to
avoid confusion.
There is difference of opinion con-
cerning whether the smaller nations
should receive first consideration or
the great powers. In as much, how
ever, as the problems Of the smaller
states involve questions quite as diff
nations, it is generally believed the
order of settlements will take the fol-
lowing form:
Germany. Austria Hungary, Turkey,
Bulgaria.
The German problem alone, never
theless, brings in its train a multitude
of dependent problems. and will con-
sumo considerable time in liquidation
The order in which these subsidiary
questions will be dealt with is likely
to be: Alsace Lorraine restored to
France; prescription of reparations to
be made to France and Belgium on ac-
count of the occupation Of French and
Belgian territories. including both
sums Of money to be paid to each of
these countries, and also restitution
of industrial and agricultural ma
chinery and implements; disposition of
the German fleet; designation of the
territories in Prussia to be restored to
Poland, including an outlet to the sea
for Poland through German territory
determine tion Of the question of Ger
man colonies.
Austrian Issues Difficult
There probably will be settled at the
same time the question of the union of
the Grand Duchy of Luxumburg with
Belgium, and possibly the rectfica-
tion of the Belgio-German frontier ir
Belgium's favor.
The problems arising from the
Austro- Hungarian situation appear to
be still more difficult than in the case
of Germany, on account of the various
nationalities which heretofore have
Bohemia already has been recognized
as an independent state, but its boun.
daries must be defined. Italy has oc-
cupied the territories of Italia IRE.
denta, but possession of them must be
ratified by the congress, which will
have to act as judge in respect of the
conflicting claims Of Italy and Serbia
and also of Italy and Greece, first ir
respect of socalled Jugo-Slav regions
on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, as
we'll as Avlona, in Albania; and, sec
ondly, in respect Of the Greek claims
to Albanian Epirus, and to territories
on the Asia Minor coast, although the
last named arises from the Turkish
problem.
The Adriatic question promises to be
one of the most difficult of the war
Italy not only lays claim to eastern
Adriatic territories by reason of senti-
ment, as in the case of undisputeo
Italia Irredenta, but also for reasons
of national safety, the eastern shore
providing the only means of effective
protection of Italy's present shores, or
account of the unadaptability of the
western shore for strategic defences
and naval bases. These are literally
cared for, naturally, on the opposite
shore, and among the countless islands
heretofore belonging to Austria Hun
gary. -
Serbia To Get Territory
Serbia is expected to be awarded
Bosnia and Herzegovina without any
stipulations, as on act of justice, as
.in the case of Alsace-Lorraine and un-
disputed Italia Irredenta.
The question of the future status OF
the Croats and Slovenes, however. is
undecided, and it is possible that a
plebiscite in their territories will have
to be taken to discover the will cf the
peoples.
The Croatians, according to some OF
their leading representatives in this
country, including DR.. Hinko Hinko-
witch, appear to desire no union with
Serbia, as provided for in the declara-
tion of Corfu, but complete indie.
pendence. Conflicting reports have
been received of the expressions OF
the desires of the will of the Croatians
in Croatia.
ceive liberal grant of Austrian terri
tory, and possibly also Ukrainia, if il
elects to remain independent, will bt
given a portion of Galicia inhabited BY
Ruthenians or Ukrainians.
Hungary is not expected to reunitt
with Austria, but to establish its owr
independence, and there is question
Whetner German austria VIII be SatlS
fed to become a small Independent
state or desire to unite itself with Ger
many. 1t is not questioned that th'
major part Of Pennsylvania and par
of Bukowina, inhabited by Rumanians
will be joined to Rumania.
While the Turkish problem appear:
to be comparatively simple, it prom
ses many difficulties. England ant
France have slready pegged claims tt
Mesopotamia and Syria, respectively
but their claims must be approved b!
the conference.
Palestine is to become an Independent
state, in all probability, but it is {
question whether Arabia is prepared
for independence and absolute self
government or should be placed under
the tutelage of the powers.
Armenia Presents Problem
The same questions exist in the cas-
of Armenia. There will be prolonged
disputes, it is believed, over the dis
position to be made of the Asia Mino
Z coast, part of which Greece demands
setting up the right of nationality, ant
which Italy also claims. under tn
treaty of London, as in the case O
England and France with regard t
Mesopotamia and Syria. The question
of the future status of Constantinopl,
has not been decided, nor has tn,
r,,,,ox, 80 ~so. ~,