ITALIAN CRISIS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 99, 26 April 1919, Page 7

ITALIAN CRISIS.

DELEGATES LEAVE PARIS. MAY RETURN SHORTLY. TRENCH SUPPORT ORLANDO. I Received 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, April 25. A.-, a ri?iilt of the deadlock which 'ollnu-dl liii- publication of President Uil-iMi's manifesto on the Adriatic question Sigimr Orlando luis left Paris for Hume, lie was given an ovation on his departure It, is believed that lie will nil urn after consulting Parliament.

The Italians were incensed at receiving news nf Mr Wilson's manifesto through ibr l'ro-s instead of being officially informed of it. They regard a personal declaration in this manner by one of the highest members of the conference as i-iuitrary to European usage. The "Matin" urn. : "We told Mr Wilson that the Pact nf London is sacred to France. We have tin power to conclude peace without the ttimril nf ltalv."

Tin- '"Evening Standard's" Paris corn'spniiiirnt denies that Mr Lloyd George ■_■ \l. ("ii'mi'iu-enu gave their assent to Prrsidrnt Wilson's manifesto.

Washington advices state that official circles tlicre look on Signor Orlando's withdrawal as being designed for effect, an.l b.lii'M' that his attitude is merely designed to impress the Italian people. It is pointed out that strong opposition to tin' Orlando Government lias been voii-od in Italy, both by Signor Nitti and Baron Giolitti and their parties.— (A ami S.Z. table.) AN EXCITING SCENE

AT ITALIAN HEADQUARTERS. (Received 1.50 p.m.) PARIS, April 25. The most amazing and exciting scene throughout the conference proceedings occurred at two o'clock this afternoon nutside the Italian delegates' hotel. A large crowd assembled to witness their expected departure from the hotel, and the lounge was filled with an excited gathering c.i Italian civil and military officials. Signor Orlando occupied the centre looking the embodiment of gloom, vainly endeavouring to answer a volley nf questions. Evidently he felt the deepest emotion, and was pathetically attempting to hide his feelings under an occasional smile. Meanwhile a crowd of journalists in a side room scrambled for copies of Signor Orlando's reply to President Wilson, which the secretaries served out page by page as it was typed.

Signor (Ir'-ando said that the Italian people would not submit to the imposition of any will other than their own. Anything of the sort was offensive to their pride.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)

A FINAL CONFERENCE. .OPE FOR AN AGREEMENT. (Received 11.55 a.m.) PARIS, April 25. An official statement announces that before his departure for Rome, Signor Orlando had a final meeting with President Wilson, Mr Lloyd George, and M. Clenienccau, when there was the expression of a general desire to effect an agreement. The hope was expressed that consultation with the Italian Parliament would assist in arriving at a satisfactory conclusion-—(A. and N.Z. Cable.)

DEATH KNE__ OF LEAGUE. AMERICA MAY CUT ADRIFT. FRENCH SUPPORT ITALY. PARIS, April 25. It is reported that Mr Wilson's manifesto was prepared several days ago, but was withheld pending a discussion of Mr Lloyd George's proposition. American circles declare that it is America's last word on the subject. It may mean that America will make a Separate peace, tear herself adrift from the European situation, and leave the Allies to arrange peace their own way. It probably strikes the death knell of the League of Nations.

It is considered unlikely that Britaiii anil France will depart from the Fact of London or make a separate peace without ltalv.

ILL-TIMED INVITATION. The newspapers almost unanimously disapprove of Jlr Wilson's untimely manifesto. "Le Journal" describes the

incident as a crisis, adding: "The bridges are down." "The "Matin" state? that Mr Wilson's action is inexplicable at a moment "lien, on his advice, the Germans have been invited to Versailles. It is equally inexplicable that the Germans

should bo invited when a serious disagreement is threatening.— (A. and N.Z. I able.) After all day consideration, the Italian delegation finally decided to adhere to its decision to leave the Peace Conference and return to Italy. The French newspapers refuse to regard the situation as insoluble, but support Italy. The "Petit Parisien" says there is a suspension of pourparlers, not a rupture. Thn "Matin" declares the situation grave, owing to the high state of Italian feeling. The "Echo de Paris" violently attacks Mr. Wilson. It urges Franco to follow Italy's example, declaring *hat France has much to gain by direct action. Too many concessions have already been made to Mr. Wilson's idealism. The journal remarks that Mr. Wilson's act was contrary to all diplomatic usages. The Italians made the best answer, promising the best results. — (Reuter.) EXCITEMENT IN ITALY. The. King of Italy and a large number of members of both Houses of Parliament have telegraphed to Signor Orlando urging him to stand firm. A tremendous demonstration was held in Rome, demanding Fiume and Dalmatia. The Mayor addressed the multitude, and declared that Italy would refuse any diminution of national rights. Troops guarded the Allied embassies. Signor Orlando states that the three Powers had granted Italy's final minimum except for Fiume, which was to be a free port. The next event was Mr. Wilson's manifesto, which Signor Orlando had first seen in an evening paper. He explains that he is not breaking with Ihe Allies, but snys it is superfluous to discuss the matter with Mr. Wilson. He rill summon Parliament forthwith.— (A. md N.Z. Cable.)