New-York tribune., 1919-09-23
Plea That Force, Excl,z-
sive of Italians, Be Sent
10 Gust d'Anntsl,zio.
Reported in London
Y. S. Navy Refuses
To Drop Neutrality
Serbians Mobilize $4,000
Men Five Miles From
City; Nitsi Calls Council

LONDON. Sep. % (By The Asso-
ciated Press The Italian government
has appealed to the Allied powers to
send an Allied force, exclusive of Ital-
according to report here tonight
which is considered reliable.
1t is understood that the American
naval authorities here, who control the
operations in the Adriatic, have de-
clined any assistance whatsoever, pend
ing the final decision from Washingt on
or the peace delegates in Paris
DAnnunzio's Popularity Feared
The Italian government, it is re-
ported, has pointed out in its appeal
that it would be difficult for Italy to
handle the situation. in view of dan
nunzlo's popularity with the Italian
people, and also because Of the fact
that the Fiume decision has been a
thorn in the side of the Italians.
The Associated Press learns that
even should tie appeal be favorably
received, no United States troops are
available. and pending instructions
from high authority, United States
naval vessels would stay outside the
three mile limit.
ROME, Sept. 22---Premier Nitti, at
the instance Of King Victor Emmanuel,
has called {, meeting at the royal pal
ace io' Thursday at which the presi-
dents Of the Senate and Chamber of
Deputies, the leaders of the political
Il o.f ln;no'i Of the Cabinet and
chiefs of the army and navy will dis
cuss the Fiume situation with the King
The convocaton of the Chamber of
Deputies. which was to have taken
place Thursday, has been postponed
until Saturday.
PARIS. Sept. 22.-An attempt by
Jugo- -Slav forces to land on the Dalma-
tan coast is reported in official dis
patches reaching here by way of Lon
don regarding the Adriatic controversy
in which Iiumc is the storm centre
The landing was frustrated by the Ital-
ian naval and military authorities
Dispatches direct from Fiume state 49,
600 Serbian soldiers have been conccn-
tratcd at Buccari, five miles southeast
Of Fiume. At Fiume itself the situa-
ton is still quiet, the advices state.
D'Annunzio to Keep Regulars
A dispatch from Trieste states that
Colonel Siciliani, who was sent into
Fiumc by General Badoglio to confer
with D'Annunzio. tried to induce the
latter to keep only volunteers and al
low soldiers Of the regular army to
return to Italy in order to prevent
their rendering themselves liable to
severe punishment.
D'Annunzio refused, saying only the
of Il
prevent the Allies from considering
Fiumc rebel city and bombarding
it. In fact, he added, the ships of the
Allies. although they had left the har-
Dor, were not far away, and were ready
to return.
The French commander, according
to Colonel Siciliani, has notified dan
nunzio that if the wellsupplied stores
forming the base of the Franco Ser
bian troops in the Orient were touched
he would fire on the city.
The "Giornale d'Italia' of Rome
says it learns that detachment of
disposal Of d'Annunzio.
There were indications to-day that
the Supreme Council might agree upon
a settlement Of the Dalmation question
on the basis of a formula making Fiume
Italian. but neutral-that it, not allow
ing Italy to keep troops and interna-
tionalizing the docks and railways
thus safeguarding the JugoSlav and
Central European interests. This plan
was submitted to President Wilson
September II and is awaiting his de-
clsion.
France and Great Britain have ap-
proved of the plan and the Jugo-Slavs
are reported to be favorable to it, al
A Il
before giving their reply.
FlUME. Sept % BY The Associated
Press Gabrielle dAnnunzio declared
in an interview here Saturday that
he was making ready an appeal to
the President of the United States, the
King of England and the French peo-
pie to support him in his occupation OF
Fiume for Italy, which he intended to
maintain to his dying day, having de-
termined never to leave the city. He
was confident, he said, that his appeal
would bear fruit
Il cannot believe there will be any
complication with France or England"
said the poet commander. "as in the
past | have done something in the in
terest OF both countries. Therefore, it
is impossible that they should repay
me with ingratitude. In fact, am pre-
pairing an appeal to Pres ident Wilson,
King George and the people of France.
MY men here are ready to die for
our cause. while will not leave Fiume
either alive or dead. | have already
chosen in n fine cemetery. dark with
expresses, a small hill, looking toward
the see, covered with laurel, where |
wish to be buried"
That the blockade of the city in
stituted by the Italian government is
not as effective as expected is evi-
dencei by the arrival of an entire
train bearing thirty trucks LOADED
with supplies. Reinforcements also