The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1919-05-07

Some confusion has existed regard
ing the secret pledges made to Italy
by France and England, as an induce
ment to her to enter the war. These
have been said to include the promise
of Fiume. But this is mistake. The
Italian allege no such promise. They
admit that the Pact Of London did
not assign Fiume to Italy. But they
claim that port as a reward for the
great efforts which they put forth,
and the heavy sacrifice they made, af-
ter the collapse of Russia. And they
ventured daringly In letting it be
known publicly In Paris that they
would insist upon getting Fiume OF
| quit the conference. This was di-
| plomatic blunder The astute Glenn
enceau refused to commit one like it
/ He boldly told the French chamber
| That he would nCt state in advance
Frances terms of peace, because he
| did not know on what points she
might be compelled to give way. But
Orlando and Sonnino staked every
thing on a public announcement. They
have now lost, and are going through
the half-hearted motions of withdraw
ing from the conference.
|
probable in any event and which is
made plain by Mr.. Wilson's statement
is that Clemenceau and Lloyd George
are standing with the American presi-
dent in this matter of the Italian
claim to Fiume. France and England
desire, of course, to live up to their
agreement with Italy. although it
was made in the stress of war. But
II oh 10
/ further, and are plainly unwilling to
sets forth that Italy's colder associ-
ates"- meaning France and England
are now united with the other belli-
gerents who knew nothing of "Spe-
cial understandings" in urging Italy
to take to the proper attitude in "the
new order of Europe" and give up I'M
justified territorial demands. This
leaves it pretty nearly case of Italy
contra mundum.
More attention has been given to
the form and time of President Will
sons statement than to it's substance
He is said to have violated diploma
tic propriety; to have made the situa-
ton of Orlando and Sonnino impossi-
bic. 1t is question whether they had
not themselves made it impossible.
Turning away from every offered
compromise and adjustment, they
were really blocking all progress to-
wards settlement with Austria. 1t
became necessary to meet their finali-
/ ty with another. The president was
not acting for himself alone. He was
| speaking for France and England
possibly at their request. The Ital-
ians had asserted that they were alb
solutely immovable in their position.
The moment came when it had to be
discovered whether they could be NOV
ed by having the whole truth bluntly
told. AS a last resort, President Will
son was selected for the unpleasant
task of telling it.
In it's substance Mr. Wilson's state
ment sets forth powerfully the great
national advantages of which Italy
is already assured. Her ancient
boundaries are restored. The unity of
her people is recognized and establish
ed. As for her fears of military ag-
gression from the east of the Adria-
tic-fears which have been urged by
Italian strategists as the basis of the
demand for Fiume-the president
points out that the entire situation is
changed by the breaking up OF the
Austro- Hungarian empire That en-
pire was the only possible aggressor,
but the threat is now forever remov-
ed. The question therefore reverts
to the rights of other nationalities,
and Mr.. Wilson sets forth the case OF
the new Independent states that are |
20 be built up on the ruins of the en-
pire of the Hapsburg. Linked with |
these aspects of the matter are the |
fundamental principles which were ac-
copied by all at the time of signing |
the armistice. and the functions of the
League of Nations The whole is en-
bodied by the present in reasoned
and persuasive argument.
From this, and from the backing
which Mr. Wilson is sure of, It will
be impossible for the Italians in the
end, to get away. There will be many
rumors, magnificent gestures, heated
rhetoric, but the weight of moral
judgement. with the economic re-
sources of which the United States
has such visible and such strategic
command, will finally turn the settle
ment of the Adriatic controversy a.
long the lines indicated by President
Wilson.
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