25 APRIL 1908, Page 17

The secondary matters in dispute were explained by Signor Tittoni

to the Turkish Ambassador in Rome on Monday. On that day the Turkish Ambassador announced the yielding of the Porte as to the post-offices. The right to open them in the fire towns named, be explained, would be granted on the same conditions as to the other Powers. The right, however, must be regarded, not as specially acquired, but as "an expression of the unshaken sentiments of sincere friendship" between the Sultan and the King of Italy and their Governments. Signor Tittoni, remarking that the friendly sentiments of the Sultan were fully reciprocated, pointed out that it would be advisable to remove all the matters of dispute between the two countries lest that friend- ship should ever be disturbed. He emphasised three points; first, the treatment of Italians by Turkish officials in certain parts of the Empire ; secondly, the obstacles placed in the way of Italians acquiring real estate ; and thirdly, the arbi. trary prohibition of trade by means of the Italian mailboat between Tripoli, Home, and Misratals. On the understanding that the mailboat should be allowed to carry passengers and goods forthwith, and, of course, that the post-offices should be opened at once, the Italian fleet was stopped. No doubt the other points will be settled, for the Sultan gives way with an alacrity that resembles goodwill, and even generosity, when he is convinced that the Power which threatens bins means business and is not likely to be interrupted by others in the application of coercive measures.