The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-23
Presidents Principles Are
Basis of DissensiOn and
German Strategy.
ITALIANS AGAIN AIOOF
American Executive Fails
to Get Them to Attend
Big -Four Meeting.
ABSENCE NETTLES HIM
He Refuses to Fix Time Limit
for Enemy's COnsidera-
tiOn of Terms.
ABSENCE NETTLES HIM
BY LAURENCE HILLS,
stag rorre spoRdenf Of The sus

rug correspondent OF THE SUS
Copyright 1919: all rights reserved
PAHs, April 22.--with Italy carry.
Ing out her threat TO withdraw from
the conference, at least temporarily,
harmony in the allied councils, never
more necessary than on the eve OF the
German negotiations. il lacking.
Again 1t is the fourteen points which
are the cause Of the dissensions
among the Allies and at the same
time are the basis Of the German
The realization that some one
made blunder in drawing up the
invitation TO the Germans, which tho
latter were quick to take advantage
OF, has not added TO the conhdenoe
in the ability Of the Allies TO handle
the diplomatic situation, which now
Is to undergo test at the hands OF
the enemy in the most important
period Of the whole conference.
Disauietins Features.
The following appeared as the dis
Quieting features to-day:
The Italians, despite impor-
IL tunities 10 maintain a united
front, refused to attend the meet
Of the Council Of -Four called to
discuss the Japa nese position re-
garding Shantung, thereby serr-
ing notice that they were out of
the conference until their claims
are granted. the obstacle to which.
they say, is President Wilson's
interpretation OF his fourteen
points.
q Through blunder in the in
S' vitation OF the Allies tho
Germans have obtained three days
delay. not arriving at Versailles
until April 2S, and. as some diplo-
mats here see it. have committed
the Allies 10 discussion with
them or the treaty, under the
right heretofore always accorded
10 plenipotentiaries.
. The leaders OF the Allies arc
~ unable 10 decide whether an
open plenary session OF the Peace
Congress shall be called for Thurs.
day TO afford free discussion OF
the covenant Of the Lea que OF Ma
tions. or 10 try 10 put it through
on Saturday at a secret session as
part of the peace treaty which
this session is supposed to ap-
prove before il is given "a the
Germans.
A Renewed indicati tons that un-
Hs der the guidance Of Count
Won Bernstorff, who as German
Ambassador was expelled from
The United States and who on thap
account is supposed to be familiaP
with American psychology, the
Germans do not intend TO sign the
treaty hastily. With Count vou
Bernstorff as chief Strategist thS
Germans are counting upon get
ling President Wilson involved In
face to face discussion of his
fourteen points and their applica~
ton In the treaty, a discussion
which is feared by the diplomats
of the Allies because they are un.
certain In regard to the President.
e Although President Wilson
-. still refrains from making
public announcement OF the guar
antee that he has given to Premier
Clemenceau, information from
French official sources makes 10
appear as IL treaty for a defen-
sive alliance was an accomplished
fact and the chief concern now IL
with regard to Its fate in the
American Senate, about which
the President apparently has given
the French no assurances, being
In great doubt himself
TranScendng in importance all The
other developments for the moment
appears to be the Italian crisis, which
has suddenly brought President Wfl.
son under the withering scorn Of the
Italians because of his refusal, AZ
they put 1t. 10 recognize self-determi-
ia ion IN the case Of Fiume, while
throwing II away 10 regard To the
Saar Valley a. concession TO Pre-
micr tlemcnceau.
Optimism Of Americana.
The optimism of me Americans was
demonstrated again Today in their
refusal TO believe mat Lie Italians