Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-30

iFoUi tuES uut
of Fiume. He added that they might
have agreed, in principle, to the crea
tion of Fiume as an independent free
state.
Address by Orlando
president Wilson's statement said
Premier Orlando. "aims to be only an
impartial declaration of facts, SO that
Parliament may have all the elements
necessary to pass judgment on the work
of the government and of the Italian
delegation at the Peace Conference, as
we'll as on the situation created by the
last painful events.
Il think it opportune to recall briefly
the attitude of the Italian delegation
in that phase of the negotiations which
began about the middle of March. At
that time the preparatory work was fin
ished and program for definite dclib-
Grafton had to be decided upon. Ques-
tions concerning peace with Germany
we're given precedence, but it was agreed
that those regarding Italy should follow
Immediately
"Thcrc were certainly Emergencies
of views between the two governments
UtaIy and the United StatcsD, but never
did I believe that such differences were
irrcconcilablc. Indeed, until April IA,
when the American memorandum was
delivered to us I had always been as
sured that the American delegation had
not reached any definite conclusions re
garding us. Several times I stated,
with frmness consistent with courtesy,
that the program of the italian terri
torial claims was based on essential
cardinal points of acceptance, which
was an absolute condition for the ltal-
ian Government,
Conferred with Wilson
This is, synthetically. the history
of the activity of the Italian delegation
from the middle of March to April 10,
when the convocation of the German
delegates was agreed upon, with re-
serve provision. On Aprii Ia | had
two long conversations with President
Wilson. in which the whole Italian ter =
ritorial question was profoundly dis
cuSSed.
"Mr. Wilson concluded by handing
me memorandum, saying it represent
ed the decision of the American gov
crnment on the question and authorlH-
ing me TO communicate the same to
the Italian Parliament. I have dis
tributed it today to all members.
Couldn't Agree With Wilson
"Inasmuch as this memorandum de-
nicd Italy's rights over the Dalmatian
islands. accorded only incomplete lib re-
crtv to Fiumc aud even went so far as
to break up the unity of 1stria, told
Mr.. Wilson it was absolutely impos-
sible for me TO agree to pcac" on the
conditions indicated. | added that, un-
der such conditions. the Italian dclcga
tion felt it could not continue to par
ticipatc in the conference with any
benefit for others or dignity for Italy,
but said | would communicate with rep
rcscntativcs of the Allied powers with
which Italy was bound by special agree
ments.
"President Wilson showed great re-
gret for such a hypothesis, adding he
would do everything possible to prevent
it. He said he thought it opportune
and useful that France and England
should undertake to find means OF
cancellation, while he would have the
question re examined by his experts, to
see if further concessions could be made
to Italian aspirations.
THE Italian delegation did not main :
| tain an obstinate attitude, but CO.
operated during the following days in
efforts to find a way to conciliation.
! 1t was anxious not to delay peace and
to avoid compromising the union of the
Allied peoples, even by mere ap-
pearance of disagreement. 1t was con
tinuing patiently to seek means OF
Cancellation and was discussing the
subject with the British premier when
the presidential message appeared.
Issue Barred to Public {
This new fact seemed to the Italian
delegation of enormous gravity, as II
made public dssension which, until
then, although deep, was confined in :