Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-04-25
The Atriatic Problem

WHY there should be protracted dead.
w lock in the peace conference over the
claims which Italy has made 10 the coast
line of the Adriatic, when far more moment
Gus questions have been wrested with sue
cessfulIy passes the understanding of those
who are outside the circle of delegates. Why
no spirit OF compromise has been encounter cred
on this issue and no common ground found
on which all interests might stand as they
did on the Rhine country question, Saar VAL
ley. DanZig, Syria reparation and other ques-
tons of like import, is something which the
world in general cannot fathom, and even the
bold. frank statement Of President Wilson
demanding strict adherence to the fourteen
points does not furnish q satisfactory ex-
PLANTATION for the seemingly irreconcilabe
differences which threaten the peace confer
ence with disaster.
There are two circumstances which shed
light on the matter. The first is the political
fortunes OF the Orlando ministry. The
Italian Premier. it may be believed dares
not return to Rome with his mission un-
fulfilled This explains, nearly as any
other known fact. the obstinacy Of Signor
Orlando. He has conceded nothing from the
very outset. He has stood upon his coun-
try's demands He has offered no compromise
because his people uncomprom sing
They resent the suggestion that they are
seeking the fruits of conquest and that their
II.
tolerate no ministry which consents to sur
render OF any one claim which has been
set up.
This, in Il measure. would explain the stub
born opposition with which the allies have
born attitude OF the Italians, but il does not
explain the stubborn opposition with which
the allies have met these claims. Why should
the President, for example. stand unfinch-
ingly against faithful ally in this crisis?
Why should France and Great Britain be un-
willing for Italy to have reward for its con
tribution to victory which its people insist on?
What is there so Fundamentally wrong about
the Italian aspirations in the Adriatic that the
peace conference has spent four futile months
debating the matter without reaching a con-
clusion?
The only answer that is given is the de-
termination Of the peace conference to solve
the Balkan problem once and for ALL even
il in doing it everlasting offense is given to
Italy. The Jugo-Slav Federation, which has
made counterclaim to Dalmatia and to
Fiume, is creation Of the war. 1t is a
union Of Slav provinces brought into being
by tho peace conference in the hope Of rid
ding the Near East OF one of its gravost dan
gors. That federation claims that it cannot
thrive or perhaps survive IL IL Is strangled
by Italy 1t must have an outlet on the
Adriatic or 1t will perish. That the allies
share this view is clearly indicated by the
circumstances which have led up 10 the
present situation. 1t is unfortunate that
Italy cannot be satisfied without cndangering
the peace Of the Balkans, and it will be more
unfortunate If tho peace conference finds no
settlement possible except Il settlement which
VIII ranklc in the heart Of the Italian nation.
IL Is an inhuman sort Of duty which COM
mands one cruelty TO wound friend