Daily Kennebec journal., 1919-04-24
CREATES SENSATION

Paris. April 23.-tBy The Associ-
ated Press president Wilson's en-
pfatic declaration that he will net
weld on the Adriat!c question has
created the most profound sensation
III the Peace Conference and he has
thrown down the gauntlet 70 the sup
porters Of secret treaties in a man
Ter which almost took awav the
breath OF the delegates who have
been urging compromises on points
covered by many secret documents
a points.
President Wilson's sweeping dec
laration. while aimed directly Al the
Adriatic problems. also reaches the
hiao-Cllau controversy IN which
Japan relies upon secret agreements
made with Great Britain. France and
Italy in 1917 20 support her in her
claim 20 the concession held by Ger
many IN ShartUng
The peace delegates generally re-
1 challenge which Will once and fo,
al dispose Of the question whether
secret documents. Of which MANY
nations participating in the war were
ignorant. are 10 figure in the peace
following an arrlistlce IN which all
the allies pledged gave no regard TO
secret treaties
The Italian situation overshadowed
all other questions throughout the
day IN Paris and was the sole sub
ject Of conversation IN official ami
unofficial circles.
When II became known this morn
ing that the Italian premier. Eittorlo
Orlando, was again absent from the
session of the Council Of Four. va
rious ruEnors became current Signor
Orlando remained at Italian head
quarters. but messengers carried him
many notes.
Proposals and counter proposals
were made between the members OF
the British. French and Italian dele
cations. and numerous stories of
compromises We're circulated These
We're suddenly discrediteG by the is
suance OF President Wilson's state
uient. showing that the President
was not a party 20 the proposed con-
cessions. which were chiefly hased On
the supposition that Fiume could be
given to Italy.
The .dea which mad been prevalent III
Paris that the AGridt.c situation was i
game OF chess IN which the most shilif4t
diplomats would WIN regardless OF TIE
ar-nlsilce conditions, was suddenly ban
shed by President Wilson action
Since Monday II had been general.
Haown :hat re had prepared a state
ren- which was presented on tha; d.y
10 the entire American delegation aad
that the delegation had approved Ii
But there vas no suspicion that his po-
slt!on was so una.;era bly, against secret
& plorlacy.
Declarations by the members of The
American delegation that the President
would not vi Id in the matter were r.
gar!ed hv most European diplorarist-
and especially D.: the Italians a. part Of
a Toli,ical game until today, ard even
now many old school dipinmatists seem
unable TO comprehend what has hap
pened
A member Of the Italian delegation
sa ID that the delegates would not leave
Paris tonight. He lid not know what
action might be taken tomorrow
Premier Orlando. Forsign Minister
SonrInc and Salvatore Barazllas. Anto-
no Salanira and Marquis Salvagorassl.
the other Italian delegates. have been
in conference at their headGuariers ex-
amining -he situation created by the
Presidents ) statement
The text of the statement follows
In view of the .apital Importance
of the questions affected. and in or
der to throw all possible light upon
what il involved in their settle
ment. hope that the following
statement Will contribute To the
final formation of opinion and To
satisfactory solution.
When italy entered the war she
entered upon the basis of a definite
Continued on Page 3-Sol.