New-York tribune., 1919-08-11
Nation Gateway Between
Balkans, Asia Minor
and Americas, Says Pre-
mier, Asking for Aid
Strive to Meet War Debt
People Face Per Capita
Tax of S45 Unless the
Budget Can Be Reduced

ltailan Premier. in an interview to dan
dealt at length with Italy's efforts ir
the war and her ambitions for the
future. Particular stress was laid by
the Premier on Italy's desire fo,
closer economic relations with the
United States. He declared that Italy
was ripe for exploitation by American
business
Il find no difficulty in speaking
plainly" said Signor Nitti to the cor
respondent. Having been in America
and seen the work that America has
done in all branches of human en-
deavor. l know something of the great
institutions that she has built up, in
dustrially. socially and politically
My sentiments toward America arc
known to all there There cannot be
any doubt about them. have the
stern conviction that one Of the es-
sential tasks of my government will
be the establishment not only of most
cordial relations with the United
States, but q genuine admission by the
two peoples that there is community
of ideals and sentiments directed tow
ard the common conception Of democ-
racy.
No Conflict of Interest
"There is no conflict of interest be-
tween us. We are to-day two democ-
zation of the benefits Of free govern
ments."
Continuing, the Premier said:
The interest of America in Italy
must helghten when the great markets
that are offered here are considered
Before the war ltaly's foreign com.
merce amounted to more than billion
dollars. This was divided chiefly
among the European powers. with
Germany leading in imports and eX-
ports. The war left this market in &
chaotic state. 1t is now ready for eX-
ploitation for American business
ready, open armed. for all their wares
and longing for commercial intercourse
which VIII alike benefit both the United
States and Italy.
"We need raw materials for indus
trial enterprises which Will allow us
to restore our industry We need
foodstutfs, fats. coal and semi-tinished ed
materials. Our country is teeming with
industrial possibilities. The streams
from the Alps and the Apennines CON
tain enough unbridled electric force
TO supply the needs Of continent
There is an abundance Of labor ready
and eager to SGT its hands to the plough
or the forge Italy is the great gate
way in the Mediterranean basin con
Meeting the Balkans, Southern Russia
Asia Minor and Egypt to western Eu-
rope and the Americas.
Hearts and Hopes in America
"Our hearts and hopes are extended
to America, where many of Italys sons
contribute their skill and toll; tc
America, for whom many of Italy's
sons fought with no unworthy prowess
the battle just concluded.
"ltalys aims are not imperialistic
| She must defend her nationality. 1t is
inherent in her; it is something that
no power, either on earth or in heaven
can take away Our anxiety is still
that our peoples in the Adriatc might
have the right to assert their choice tC
be part and parcel of their motherland
We are trusting that President Will
sons scholarly and energetic mind viii
assist US in reaching some agreement
which will preserve the unity of the
Italian peoples.
1--WE look for America TO guarantee
us region in Asia Minor where We
may secure raw materials and food
stuffs for our rapidly increasing popu
lation, which within q few years will
aggregate 50,000,000. and the density OF
which is now more than $50 inhabitants
to the square mile.
National Debt Tr;pled
"Before the war our annual nationa
debt amounted to $4,000 100000. Gu
advent into the war has seen it rise tt
$4,000, 100000 In comparison will
D+i ,+,-,o - 4 NJ ;<rl,t
seem Stupendous, but, when keeping il
mind her resources, Italy represents th'
greatest sacrifice Of them all. Italy
national wealth aggregated but $40 600,
100000 We surrendered all but one
fourth (one-fifth p of it in the war, ant
had we been called upon for furthe
sacrifices we would have willingly givel
even to the limit of our existence.
Italy entered the war, accepting al
its sorrows and all its dangers. Severa
times she was on the point Of falling
Italy. contrary to the spirit of tn
treaty concluded with the Allies, re
manned long time alone against Aus
tria- Hungary, facing one Of the great
est armies of the world, outnumberin,
that of Italy by 100000 men, more pow
erful in artillery and stronger II
strategic position.
Fought for Liberty
"Our military forces during those try
ing days fought with q spirit unham
pered, hardship and prlvation, due t.
love for enduring liberty. lnconceivabl
difficulties as regards supplies an,
transport were overcome so magnificent
ly that the world stood aghast at tn
herculean achievements in cngineerin,
accomplished by our forces operating il
the cold, snow capped Alps and alon:
the bitter friCld PlaVe
deavor that we withheld in seckin,
victory. We have given up our homes
our youth, our wealth, our all tha
small nations might exercise their righ
of government, that the self -determ ina
tion of peoples might be perpetuated
Long years in the trenches made
the men of the Allied armies returnin,
to civil life nervous and restless. W.
see evidences of it all over the world
We have had sporadic cases of unres
in Italy, but none serious enough t
warrant undue alarm. All attempts d
general strikes have proved failures
The Italians are settling down to tn
realization that the guarantee of th
future of their country is to be fount
in greater production of human eco
commercial conditions.
Living Problem Near Solution
"The problem of the high cost o
living will be brought near solution
when the industrial groups have &C
cepted this need for increased output
h, tr