The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-12
WILSON SOUGHT
ASARBITRAT0R
JugO-Slavs Ask Him to Act
in Dispute With
Italy.
ASIA MINOR NEW ISSUE
Territorial Question There Di-
rectly Involves Interests
Of Greece.
ASIA MINOR NEW ISSUE
BY the Associated Press.

PARIS, Feb. 11.-President Wilson re-
ceived tonight note signed by n. r.
Pachitch. the former Serbian Pre-
mier: NJ Trumbitch, president Of the
Jugo-Slav COMMITTEES in Paris, and
Dr. NJ. r vesnitch, Serbian Minister
to France. the three Jugo-Sla dele
gates TO the Peace Conference, ask
ing him to act as arbitrator in their
differences with italy regarding the
frontier along Istria and the Adriatic.
This Is in consequence OF the Presi-
dents last interview on this question
with NJ. Trumbitch and Premier Or
lando Of Italy. NJ. Trumbitch claimed
all Of Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia-
President Wilson expressed to Premier
Orlando the opinion that an agreement
might be reached giving to the Jugo-
Slavs the eastern part of the peninsula
Of IstIia, Da,matia, and by making
Ftume free city. Premier Orlando an
swered that Italy could not possibly re-
nounce its claims to Fiume without the
risk OF grave trouble.
President Wilson. not wishing the
Peace Conscience to be confronted with
the necessity OF making a decision that
might deeply wound either side. sug-
gested that the Italians and the Jugo-
Slavs discuss their differences. and II
they could not agree that they should
submit the disputed points to arbitration.
Premier Orlando answered that he
thought arbitration was the proper thing
before the war, but not after the long
conflict that had ended with the defeat
of the enemy and the occupation Of the
territories claimed He added that he
would consider the suggestion and dis
cuss II with his colleagues on the Italian
delegation.
No decision is expected from the Ital-
ians until after President Wilson re-
turns from America. as Premier Or
lando. Baron Salandn and Signor Bar
zilai are leaving for Italy Thursday 10
attend the reopening of Parliament.
Meanwhile, another italian territorial
question has arisen. Italy. at the sug-
gestion OF England and in accord with
France. has decided TO occupy with mill
tary forces Adalia and Konieh in the
vilayet OF konieh. in Asia Minor. south
OF the territory claimed by Greece. hay
ing Smyrna as Its centre. The Greek
Premier. NJ. Venizelos. also looks with
favor upon the presence of the Italians
in Asia Minor on condition that the
Islands OF Dodecanesus (Sporades) be
transferred to Greece. excepting perhaps
Stampalia. the smallest OF the group
which Italy may keep as naval station
Two Italian divisions have been or
dered to Rhodes to join another division
already there. and the whole force VIII
cross TO Adalia as soon as the formali-
tics with Great Britain are completed.
Italian troops are to occupy Bakl
and Bstoum. on the Black Sea also
Italy will ask for concession of the
| mines OF Haracleum. the largest In tn.
| Near East located in the Nilayet ~
| Costamuni on the Black Sea. which are
now exploited by French, Russian and
| German companies
The occupation OF these points was
suggested in order that Italy should b'
interested In a mandate IN Asia Minor.