The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-04-26
KEEPING CLOSE
WATCH ON ITALY
Romans Aroused to Highest
Pitch Over Fiume
Problem.
RELY ON LONDON PACT
Secret Treaties Remain Chief |
Menace to Peace Pro-
ceedinrs.

tBy John Edwin Nevin.) }

.
tBy John Edwin Nevin.)
Paris, April 26.-QN.S.)-The
Fiume problem is still hanging fire
when the big three-Presidcnt Will
son. Premier Lloyd George and Pre-.
mier Clemenceau--met today to con-
tinue discussions of matters to be in
cluded in the treaty that will be pre-
sented to the Germans at Versailles
next week.
Practically every detail of the
treaty is now complete but it has not
yet been definitely decided on what
day the terms will be placed before
the Germans. This will depend to
some extent upon the developments
in the Italian situation during the
next 5eventy-two hours.
The American, British and French
delegations are watching closely for
the next move that Italy makes. Rome
advices show that the deepest feeling
prevails throughout Italy. but it cam
not be determined yet how far the
demonstrations will Influence official
action. 1t is realized that the Gtal-
ians are extremely temperamental
and that the blowing off of steam
may be followed by counsels which
will lead to a compromise satisfac-
tory to both sides.
At the same time. 1t Is pointed out
that Italy is dependent upon the al
lies. and chiefly the United States,
for economic relief.
In any event. the three powers
America, Great Britain and France
are lined up side by side and will pre-
sent a solid front. This fact is eni-
phasized in case Germany shou try
to quibbIe over the treaty or take ad-
vantage of the temporary deadlock
caused by the withdrawal Of the ltal-
ian delegates.
The greatest obstacle to equitable
understandings has been the crop
ping ont of secret agreements and
pledges made during the course OF
the war. Later developments have
made 1t impossible to stand by the
terms Of some OF these treaties.
Pact Of London.
(The most notable case Of secret
treaty." was the pact Of London. ssa-
tered into between Great fsritain.''
France and Italy. Italy is making
territorial claims based upon this
agreement, although 1t is admitted
that Fiume is NOT included in the
terms.. Another secret pact involved
Japan and China, the former country
making economic and territorial
claims based upon that agreemento
II is now reported that there was
an agreement between japan and
Great Britain concerning China. No
details are available but It bids fair
to interfere with the settlement OF
the Shantung peninsula dispute.
Whether this reported agreement |
will effectually prevent the United
states from enforcing it's Endorsement |
of the Chinese claims and thus pre-
venting Japan from getting territory |
on the Shantung peninsula, cannot |
be foreseen.
Z. No Predictions.
No member of the American dele
CATION would make any predictions |
in that direction today. However. 1t
is admitted that secret treaties con-
tinue TO be the greatest menace to-
wards the carrying out OF President
Wilson's fourteen principles which
the Americans insist shall be the
and backbone of the
peace terms.
The advance guard of the German
peace delegation that has already r-
rived at Versailles is devoting its
time to preliminary matters. The
Germans are arranging a telegraphic
and courier service between Nersail-
es. Berlin and Weimar. so that the
German government and the national
assembly can be kept in constant
with the envoys.
The German delegates evidently
rope to secure the Endorsement OF the
herman assembly on every step they |
axe. II was learned that the German
delegates expect speedy action and
will not attempt debate at length At
he same time, It was intimated that
Z the actual peace terms appear cx
remely hard. the German govefE
nent probably win carry into effec.
he threat to refer the terms to the
people and decide by popular vote
whether they shall be accepted or ,
elected. 1t is unlikely, howeve-. that
he allies would grant sufficient time
or such action.
The allied and associated govern
nents are growing more and more !
determined to insist upon the i'm
Mediate acceptance Of the treaty. If
he Germans refuse. the arnistice S
viii be declared null and void and I
he armies viii assume the initiative | f
o compel acceptance. e
The plenary session Of the confer ii
nee on Monday win be devoted not C
nly to the league Of nations cove e
ant. but TO the clearing up of va a
ious clauses of the treaty. II is
ossibIe that the session may last 7
rveral days. followed by an execu- I,
We session at hich the treaty will :
: considered In its entirety. The s
talians were invited. but failed to 81
,tinate whether they would have a I;
present.
In official circles il is now learned "
AT Premier Orlando did not carry
nv definite proposal from the big 9.
,ree to Rome for a compromise n