The New York herald., 1920-12-24
FIUME BLOCKADED,
D'ANNUNZIO FIRM
Defies Ultimatum While Gen.
Caviglia Appeals to
Citizens.
ITALIAN FLEET IN GULF
Belief in Some Quarters Poet
Must Surrender Owing to
Food Shortage.
FLEET IN GULF
BIZ the Associated prssa.


TRIESTE. Dec. 22 (delayed) Gabrielle
dAnnunzio has defied the ultiamtum of
Gen. Caviglia that he decide to accept
the treaty of Rapallo under penalty of a
close blockade OF Fiume being insti-
tuted.
The poet-soldier called a meeting OF
his cabinet of ''rectors" in a council of
war yesterday afternoon and It was de-
cided to remain firm and oppose Italy's
enforcement of the Rapalio treaty at
the expiration of the time set by Gen.
Caviglia.
The italian commander in chief ordered
that the blockade should be effective
beginning at 6 o'clock on the evening of
December 21, by land and sea to the
territory OF the State of Fiume and to
territories outside OF Fiume occupied by
the Fiuman troops, and to the islands
of Veglia and Arbe. The troops were
ordered TO proceed according to interna-
tional law and the treaties in force. by
whatever means, against any one who
should attempt to violate the blockade
order.
After delimiting geographically the
zone OF the blockade, the order of Gen.
Cavligia gave ships belonging to the
State Of Fiume forty-eight hours after
the time of the blockade to withdraw
equal time limit was set for the de-
-parture of foreign subjects, citizens or
leSionaries. The order added that after
the expiration of this time limit ships
or persons endeavoring to force the line
of blockade by land or sea would be
compelled 10 face the consequences pre-
scribed by international law and the
treaties in force.
Fiume is surrounded by Government
forces The approaches are heavily
guarded on the north, east and west by
powerful patrols of carabineers and
Alpini. Every road and lane is under
surveillance. Nothing is being allowed
TO go into the town, but exit is per-
mitted to those who wish to withdraw
rather than to face a siege. BY sea
the fleet Off Pola Is not permitting the
passage of any craft.
A majority of the population of Fiume
oppose any encounter involving blood
shed. Even some members of the
regency disagree with d'Annunzio. His
Finance Minister. Professor Pantaleoni,
has resigned and left Fiume Deputies
Suzi and De Anbris have left F1ume for
Rome to submit a proposal that Italy
recognize the regency with Barros, Arbe
and Veglia. while the regency renounce
the immediate annexation of Fiume to
Italy. which would be a subject for
future negotiations. and also renounce
further action in Dalmatia
Gen. Caviglia issued the following ap-
peal to the citizens of Fiume:
The Treaty of Rapallo, approved by
Parliament and signed by the King. is
to-day Italian law. The military COM
mand which presdes over you refuses
defiantly to recognize and apply ii and
maintains an attitude hostile TO Italy
characterized by acts of violence
Inasmuch as this grievous. question
cannot be prolonged without serious
danger TO the honor. security and life
of Italy In all their phases the royal
Government has ordered me to declare
blockade, effective from the evening
Of December 81.
"Citizensi Your indescribable suffer-
ings must end-there must be an end.
The italian Government only awaits
your return TO a state of full liberty
to carry to you all the aid and support
YOU need to reestablish your prosperity.
Back up the Government with youi
potent voice in the aims II seeks by
this indispensable measure of blockade.
You are able to be heard by the COM
mandant (of Fiume). Induce him to
spare to Italy the deprecable event of
fraternal conflict. Get him in his great
heart to find the force of will to obey
the command of the fatherland.'
Gen. Caviglia also addressed an ap-
peal to D'Annunzio's legionaries, urg-
ing them to see that 1t was their duty
to return to their ranks in the regular
army.
In some quarters II Is asserted that
the blockade cannot but result In an
amelioration of the situation in a short
time owing to the shortage of the sup
ply of food in Fiume. Some persons
are prophesying that the trouble will
be all over before the new year.