22 SEPTEMBER 1923, Page 2

Apparently Italy does not dispute the Jugo-Slav claim to Porto

Barros and the Delta, but the division of authority within such a small area makes a very intract- able problem. Signor Mussolini proposed lately that Porto Barros and the Delta should belong theoretically to Jugo-Slavia, but should remain bound to Fiume for ninety-nine years, and that meanwhile the political and administrative control of Fiume should be transferred from the Free State to Italy. That was virtually a proposal of annexation. It is not to be wondered at that the Jugo-Slays would not consent. We should like to see the whole question of Fiume referred to the League of Nations, but though Italy and Jugo-Slavia have both ratified the Treaty of Rapallo, it has, we believe, never been registered by the League.