New-York tribune., 1920-02-09
Italy Prevents
u. S. Loan,
Asserts Nitti
Premier Says Rome, by Low
ering Credit, Forces Re-
fusal; Deplores Attacks
on American Attitude

ROME, Feb. S.-Premier Nitti dis
cussed the Italian foreign policy in the
Chamber of Deputies yesterday. He
began his speech by asking for sus-
pension of the work Of the chamber
for few days, as he had to be in
London on Thursday at a meeting Of
the allied Premiers.
"In the critical hour Of our history
said the Premier, "it is indispensable
to tell the entire truth, even if we
have to do so with an aching heart.
Foreign policy has an influence on home
policy, and home policy on foreign
policy, so the two must harmonic.
"Those who most insisted that we
enter the war render now the worst
possible service to the war by saying
that we obtained nothing. We must
remember that almost all Italians who
desired war asked only for Trent and
Triest. It is therefore a mistake to
say that nothing was obtained.
Sees Two Solutions
"1n other questions, where Italy. is
most interested, namely, the Adriatic,
Constantinople and Asia Minor. Italy
must be guided by the broadcast prin-
ciples of nationality, the spontaneous
plebiscite at Fiume, declaring a desire
to join Italy, created a new political
situation, which caused a series of diff
fculties.
"There can be only two solutions
~ nh
claim as our right, or the solution we
invoke in the name Of justice, consist
ing Of harmonizing the interests, tend
encies and aspirat tions of the Italian
people with those of the Jugo-Slav
people.
ut would be dishonest if I accepted
the Pact of London without pledging
myself to evacuate Fiume, even by force
if necessary" said the Premier.
"a curious state of mind has been
gaining strength in Italy. Instead Of
subverters there are Conservatives who
incite the army against discipline"
Decries Slurs at America
Loud protests from the Conservatives
followed, but the Premier, raising his
voice, continuede
"Those who called themselves de-
tenders Of our institutions are ac-
tually undermining them. We are wit
Messing a revolving spectacle-generals
allowing themselves to be captured
while the Conservatives applaud.
"This is cause of weakness. Moth
ing has more damaged the prestige Of
Italy than these facts, together with
unbridled language by the Conserva-
tive leaders, which is initiated by the
press. 1t is not America which refuses
to lend Italy, but it is Italy which is
lowering her credit that prevents
America from lending us now"
Signor Nitti deplored the attacks on
foreign countries and foreign rulers,
especially America, saying: II deplore
the attitude Of the Italian press in
sowing the seeds of poison despite the
censorship. This is so stupid
The Premier continued: yesterday
Signor di Cesaro read a secret docu-
ment, again proving that there is
Conservative who can accomplish revo-
lutionary acts. l am glad that that
document was brought to the Chamber
by an opponent, as it shows with what
idea I protected Italian interests in
America.
Sees Bright Day Ahead q
"Did the Conservatives expect me to
act like Don Quixote? Did they expect
me to declare war on America?
spoke as an honest man with perfect
sincerity, making an appeal to the
American sense Of justice.
1--WE must avoid exaggeration, such
as calling the Adriatic an Italian lake.
In doing so we are committing crime.
Some have reproached me for not sit
ting tight and continuing to occupy
the disputed territory. But do you
know what 1t costs?
"The feeling prevails that America
will not lend US money unless the war
spirit is over, unless the money spent
is employed in reconstruction. We
must work to bring about true peace
rot one for the victors, not one for the
vanquished. We must forget all rancors
and bring about in our foreign relations
a broader sense of humanity"