Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-09-05
L OPPORTUNITY

A wonderful opportunity is Italys. An Italian commission
was fouly assassinated while inspecting the Greco-Albanian from
tier along with representatives of other countries for the purpose
Of fixing a definite boundary between the two nations. The Ital-
ians at once jumped to the conclusion that it was a political at
tack and hold the Greek government directly responsible. An
ultimatum was sent to Athens from Rome making serious and HUI
initiating demands upon the Greeks. Greece was given twenty
four hours in which to comply.
This seems like pretty short notice for SO serious a matter. 1t
reminds one of the ultimatum sent by Austria to Serbia which
caused the World War. Greece may or may not be responsible. At
least she should be given an opportunity to learn the facts before
asking her to submit to such great humiliation. The Greeks are ap
parently sincere in their regrets Of the murder of the Italian com
mission on Greek soil, and show every indication of being willing
to do the right thing; but to be compelled to swallow the dose
Italy forces upon them without a chance to ascertain the truth
Of the matter seems rather severe. In any country hot headed in
dviduals are apt to do things that reflect seriously upon the
whole nation and that causes deep regret, just as the outrage
against some Italians in New Orleans did in this country a num-
Der of years ago. Here, however, the affair was Strengthened out
to the satisfaction of all by the United States making due apollo
ges and paying indemnities to the families of the victims. Italy,
however, is not content to give Greece this opportunity.
But Greece, rather than to submit to the demands Of Italy has
appealed to the League OF Nations to ~straighteE out the difficulty.
Both Greece and Italy are members Of the league, and both have
agreed to permit the league to handle just such matters when war
threatens. There appears to be a disposition on the part of Italy,
however, to ignore the league at this time and insist upon handling
the matter direct. This is contrary to the very spirit OF the cove
: naHt Of the league, and should Italy persist in this attitude it
would be a severe blow to this the greatest of all peace move
ments.
Here, then, is Italy's opportunity to show what a great nation
it is. Under the utmost proyocaton, apparently, it can show the
world that it is able to control itself and allow the rest of the
world to pass judgment on its claim. By agreeing TO the league
handling the affair and submitting gracefully to the leagues de-
cision Italy can become the first great power to really make the
league effective. The precedent thus established will forever be
referred to as an example for all other nations, so that Italy's
place as a great power desiring above everything else the adj
yan5ement of civilization, will be thoroughly established.
The council of the League of Nations is now in session at
Geneva. The representative of the Italian government there has
denied that Italy would Withdraw from the league if it took ac-
ton, as has been reported. This is encouraging. By all means,
let justice be done, but it ought to be accomplished without going
10 war about it.