The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-01-19

even put into actual application Are
we inadvertently beginning to acauiesce
In the old system OF diplomacy whicn
was speaking OF the principle or ma
tionalities In order to single out the ma
tionalltles that we're to be exterminated!
I'm 1912, Albania was recognized as
an Independent sovereign State under
the collective protection OF the then six
great Powers. following the proclama-
tion OF independence by the Albanians
themselves. Moreover. to insure the new
State against aggression. the Powers
proceeded to neutrallze 1t by giving 1t
status similar to that hitherto en-
joyed by Belgium. In order to violate
that status a little later Just as Ger
many did in regard to Belgian neu-
tralty.
"On June 3, 1917, however, the Italian
Government proclaimed again the indie
pendence Of united Albania. Since then
Italy has taken charge of the protection
of the rights and interests OF Albania,
and one has but to sincerely wish that
the Italian Government, being fully
aware OF and in accordance with the
views of President Wilson and of the
Albanians in that respect will do every
thing in it's power TO safeguard the in
dependence and national rights OF AL
bana.
Signs of Disagreement Seen.
still there are some signs that point
to the existence of a serious divergence
Of views between italy and France.
Seven months before the Italian procla-
nation in regard TO Albania the com
mander Of the French troops which oc-
cupied the Albanian district and city OF
Korcha or koritsa, eastern Albania es-
,ah n H.
ent republic Of Korcha.' This act is
very significant in view OF the recent
but unconfirmed report that the French
military authorities have handed over
this district to the Greek troops. not
only in violation Of the proclamation
but also in the face of the opposition
of its inhabitants, who did express
through a solemn plebiscite conducted
by the French military authorities three
months ago their determination to re-
main Albanians
IF the report he true Il would be evil
dent that NJ. Clemenceau IL already
beginning to carry out his favorite pro-
ject of the balance OF power. for by
this action he would certainly be striv-
Ing TO counterhalance the contemplated
Italian protection over the rest Of AL
hania by giving to Greece a consider
able part Of Albanian territory. And
once this banetul process is set In mo-
ton none knows where II will stop and
what nations it will not AFFECT.
"Unhappily these proceedings pass un'
noticed when Albania is concerned, fol
though she has been declared indepen-
dent untoward circumstances have sc
far rendered impossible the formation OF
an Albanian Government. 1t IL, indeed
a regrettable phenomenon that Italy
should have left that unfortunate coun'
try without a central organized body
although almost all subordinate civil au
thorities are Albanian, and although the
Italian Government has repeated.
promised to the Albanians that they
soon will have national Government OF
their own. 1t was only a few days
ago that the Government OF Rome in
vted the principal Albanian leaders tc
Italy to confer with them on the avowet
necessity OF forming n central Govern
ment for Albania. but nothing favorable
| has been heard as yet.
AIbnnians sim Anxious.
Naturally enough. the fault Canno
| be laid on the Albanlnas. who are al
| anxious as ever to have such a Consti
! tuted body in their country during these
critical days. When one realizes tina
Italy is the only Power which ha: