Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-22

Associated Press)-What amounted
to an ultimatum by the italian dele
cation, directed to the supreme coun-
Gil, declaring that the Italians would
not approve n peace treaty not in
Guiding a settlement of the controver-
sy between Italy and J~ugo-Slavia owe
the title Of Fiume and the Dalmatian
coast islands, gave concern to other
delegations today. Although the SUI
preme council was occupied with a
consideration Of the western Polish
boundary, the premiers, with Colonel
House were engaged in trying to find
a solution to the difficult problem
presented by the action Of italians.
1t has been known for some time
that the italian delegates were appre-
hensive that any program adopted
which contemplated the RELOCATION Of
the Ita1y-Jugo Slav controversy to the
league of nations, when it is formed
or even its consideration by the SUI
>preme council after the completion Of
ously jeopardize Italian claims. The
fear has been expressed by some of
the Italian delegates that Immediate
ly after conclusion of the German
treaty President Wilson,, Premier
Lloyd George and perhaps other lead
ing figures in the council. would leave
Paris and the remaining members Of
lAlC COuLlCll "Oulu uOL nave Iull pow.
ers toy deal with Italian demands.
The state of mind of the italian
public Is declared to be such that the
failure of the Italian delegation to re-
turn from Paris with title to Fiume
and the Dalmatian coastal islands,
might easily have grave internal re-
suits. according to statements by
some of the delegation.
Thus for many weeks they have
been flooding other delegations and
the offices of the foreign correspond
ents with literature to support Italian
claims. This melted the Serbian dele
CATION to sharp responses. which de-
nounced italian contentious as being
In violation of President Wilson's IA
points," because they deny access to
the sea to the Jugo Slav population
in the interior. The Italian claim, Of
course, that racially historically and
economically the port of Fiume and
the immediate vicinity is italian.
coast must also go to Italy as a mill
-tary measure to insure protection to
exposed italian cities on the western
shore of the Adriatic. I
The supreme council is called upon
indirectly, in deciding this issue, to
pass upon the validity of secret trea-
ties, negotiated in London i'm 1915,
some of which at least are held to be
at variance with Mr.. Wilson'S IA
points," The council is also embar-
raised by the probable effect Of any
Lewiston 1t may make in the Fiume
case upon Greek and French claims
to the Smyrna coast, Polish claims to
tLemberg and Polish claims to Dan
zig.
The whole question will go before
President, Wilson for considerations
and solution. Its removal as the seri-
u danger mark in the conference
proceedings is hoped for, it was said
tonight. 1t is expected he will present
some plan by Sunday.
One possible solution now under
consideration is that military experts
of the supreme war council, who have
discharged themselves of German wal
issues, should at nee consider the
Italian claims under instructions to
present a solution in time to secure
action ON them simultaneously with
the disposition Of the German peace
treaty.
One difficulty is the lack of a COM
petent government in Austria with
which to negotiate. Another is the.
distribution among the new states
formerly part of Austria of the prop
or share Of war indemnities which
they must assume.
In the meantime Rear Admiral
Phillip Andrews, who has been in
command of the American, naval base
at Cardiff. Wales, is going to the
Adriatic to take command OF Ameri-
can forces there, relieving Rear Ad.
miral Albert p. Niblack.