The papers of Monday published the explanation of a recent
rather mysterious mobilisation of the Italian fleet at Gaeta. The fleet, which consisted of three divisions, was intended to force the Sultan to concede certain Italian demands, particularly with reference to the establishment of Italian post-offices in Turkish territory. The Italian Government had decided to open post-offices at Constantinople, Salonika, Avlona, Smyrna, and Jerusalem, places where there are many Italians, and where other Powers already have post-offices. The Porte, which some years ago was informed of this intention, was told by the Italian Ambassador last March that the offices were about to be opened. On March 30th the Porte answered that the opening of the offices could not be allowed, and pleaded the existence of an understanding that Italy had no right to such offices. On April 9th the Italian Ambassador showed that the right of Italy under the most- favoured-nation clause was incontestable, and he further denied the existence of any special understanding to the contrary. On April 14th the Porte replied peremptorily that the opening of the offices would be prevented, if necessary, by armed force. Upon this provocation, Italy could take no other course than to assert her intention of getting her rights by force. The refusal of the Porte was a violation of Treaties.
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