ITALY AND THE ALLIES.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SpECTATOR.") SIR,—I have read in your issue of April 26th, in "News of the Week," some criticisms with regard to the question of Fiume, which prove that an enlightenment as to the real state of feeling in Italy might be, to say the least, interesting to your readers. The Italian character and geography are little under- stood by the average Englishman, and I feel sure that if the Italian point of view were thoroughly explained the English nation would be almost unanimously on our side. It is much to be regretted that the geed feeling which has till now existed between Italy and England should hare been disturbed, if not destroyed, by the influence of those who have perhaps the commercial but not the true interest of their nation at heart.
In Italy it is felt that no question can be raised either as to the Italian character of Fiume or as to the freedom of that port in Italian hands. In fact, it is felt that its trade would be in this case far freer than if the port were in Jugo-Slav bands, who would in all probability give a preference to their own trade, to the detriment of that of Hungary. Bohemia, or Rumania.
With regard to Dalmatia, although there may be a minority that do not insist upon the whole of this region passing under Italian rule, all recognize the Italian character of certain towna, such as Zara. Sebenico, de., and claim therefore their union to the Mother Country. It is also felt that if, as un- fortunately must be the ease, a certain portion of one race must be ruled by the other, it is fairer to subject Slays to Italian rule rather than Italians to Slay rule, because of our far older and higher grade of civilization. • It is acutely felt in Italy that the Allies seem to forget how Ilie Jego-Slavs voluntarily fought against us to the last, and it is a matter of surprise, to say the least of it, to see how France favours the formation of a Danubian Confederation, which would certainly have an anti-Italian character.
Your paper talks about the League of Nations, but what is it; practical value? America is increasing her Nary, Englani does not propose diminishing hers, a defensive Alliance formed between America, England, and France to defend the last. Why should, then, Italy alone pin her faith upon it ?
President Wilson's manifesto was one of the greatest mistake; ever made. We all took it as a dastardly attack in the back against our delegates, and consequently against our country.: Its contents were scarcely considered, because it appeared as the more of a 'man who intended getting his own way by fair means or by foul. Its result was disastrous to the cause of the Allies in Italy, because while on the one hand it convinced us all that at the root of the Dalmatian question were the interests of a powerful financial group, on the other it seemed to prove that our Allies were our enemies, who, after having been benefited by us throughout the war, are now cheating us out of our doe. Why did not England declare herself at once on the elde of Italy P Italy joined in the war with the conviction she was helping friendly nations, who respected such things as honour and fairness. Instead she now appears to be amongst a band of sharpers, who quibble over every word in order to get the best of her. 'Why should, for instance, the mercantile fleet of Dalmatia be placed under discussion as prize of war to be divided between the Allies, while Alsace and Lorraine are exempt from all indemnity? Why should the Treaty of Peace with Germany have been altered to the disadvantage of Italy during the absence of our delegates from Paris? This exceed- ingly short-sighted policy on the part of the Allies will bear fruit in the future. It unfortunately strengthens the party (once composed of a small minority) that considered neutrality as the best policy, and maintained there was little to choose between Germany and the Allies in the matter of Imperialism and selfishness. A confirmation of my assertions can be had in Italian papers, or from any Britisher in intimate contact [Our correspondent wholly misunderstands 'us if he thinks any one here wants to "score off" Italy. Respect and liking • for Italians and admiration of their country are universal. But Italy will never be secure if she has discontented and jealous neighbours. Her security, again, depends upon an agreement that satisfies the scruples of all the Allies. We regret that our correspondent should not perceive what his country has gained morally and materially by helping to defeat Germany.—En. Spectator.]
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