Evening star., 1923-09-03
ITALY DENIES SIGNING PACT.
Declares She Is Not Responsible
Under London Treaties of 1S63-64.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated PresS.
ROME, September S.-Italy has vio-
lated neither international nor the
London treaties of 1S63-64 in her
fu. the government says today in
semi official statement made public
through the Stefani agency. Italy,
says the statement. did not sign the
treaty of 1864 entered into by Aus
tria Hungary, France. England. Prus-
sia, Russia and Greece giving pro-
lection to the islands.
The facts of the situation are. adds
the statement. that the treaty of No
vember II, 1863, signed in London. es-
tablished the neutrality of the Ionian
Islands On the occasion of their re-
union to Greece and that this neu-
tralization was limited only to the is
lands of Corfu and Paxos. Article
of the succeeding treaty of London OF
March 29, 1864. meanwhile was con-
cluded between the above named
powers, protecting the island, but
Italy did not sign.
Previous declarations that Italy's
bombardment of Corfu was not an
act of war are reiterated in today's
statement, in which assertions also
are made that occupation of the is
military force cannot be construed
as warlike. From all points of
view" it says. "the occupation of
Corfu is not an act OF war nor in
contradiction of law and 1t Is per-
fectly Legitimate 1t must
not be forgotten that in time of war
neutral territory must be used as a
means OF communication"
The Island of Corfu is reported
quiet with the Inhabitants pursuing
their usual life.
If the press correctly reflects pub
lie opinion, Italy is solidly benin the
government. Premier Mussolini is in
receipt OF flood of messages from
political and social organizations as
well as individuals. all Of whom sig
Nifty their readiness to comply with
his wishes.
Corfu killing Regretted.
Although regretting that the occu-
patton of Corfu resulted in the killing
Of perhaps a dozen persons, italians
hold that Greece should be held re-
sponsible on the ground that had the
Italian demands been complied with
the resulting complications could have
been avoided.
Premier Mussolini remains in his
office these days until the small
hours of the morning, resuming work
again after only a brief sleep.
The Stefani Agency, the semi official
news agency, says demonstrations
against Italians have occurred on the
Island of Crete.
1t is alleged that the populace in
suited the italian flag and that the
personnel of the Italian consulate was
endangered.
The news agency adds that a mes
sage from Canea, capital of the Island
of Crete. declares that the people Of
Tended the Italian flag and denounced
Italy, with the apparent liberation of
the Greek police.
Premier Mussolini is receiving hum
dreds of kilograms from political and
social organizations and private in
dividuals, all protesting their faith in
the leader Of Italy and their readiness
to comply with all his wishes. Typi-
cal of such messages is one from the
ex-soldiers of Venice-"Sound the
bugle and we will answer with the
battle cry 'savoia'.'
For the first time in the history
of the country has any sort of op-
position been lacking, even the COM
proving the governments action. All
italians are united, regardless of
A Soiiniki dispatch OF the Stefani
Agency says that the Greek popula-
ton there is in a state of great ex-
citement, and there have been nu-
merous demonstrations against Italy.
Several Italian subjects were NAL
treated in the Greek quarters and the
Boycott italian Goods.
A boycott against Italian commerce
is on, and the prefect of the port
refuses TO permit vessels flying the
italian flag to discharge their car
goes.
Throughout Italy sincere sorrow is
expressed that the occupation of
Corfuznecsssitated a short lombard