763.72/12500: Telegram

The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Acting Secretary of State

2458. Political. All consulates report political situation calm, though everywhere prompt settlement Italy’s rights in Istria and Dalmatia urged by press. The approaching arrival of President Wilson in Europe, and his hoped for arrival in Italy, has been the question of the past weeks, and continues to be the leading article in all newspapers. To-day, press announced that President Wilson would spend several days in Paris and come immediately to Italy. This news emanating from telegram from London. Embassy has received letters from municipalities and been approached from all quarters regarding the reception and entertainments of President while in Italy, and Mayor of Rome has committee for decoration of the City but is awaiting definite announcement before work is begun. Italian opinion unanimous in demanding President’s visit, not merely for effect, but because Italian people desire opportunity to express national [apparent omission] and welcome to the President of United States.

[Page 461]

Vatican has shown disposition to bring about meeting between President and Pope, making it clear that he would be at liberty to make his call either formal or informal. Clerical paper Corriere Docilia [d’Italia?] article entitled “Welcome Wilson” by Field-Bishop of Italian Army says: President should come to [apparent omission] so as to realize Italians are not militaristic and to understand tolerant and universal spirit among Italians, which he claims [is] due to Catholic education, that possibly in America some persons have spoken ill of Pope, that in Italy many do, and for that reason President should see him and form his own opinion.

Italian chambers closed session November 30th to be reconvened during January. The Senate will reconvene December 12th, it having adjourned to await return of Orlando and Sonnino from England and France. Official Socialists objected to closing before delegates to Peace Conference were named. Minister [of] Finance, in reply, pointed out Parliament had voted full confidence in Government which meant confidence in Government’s choice of men. Strong movement in certain quarters to have Bissolati representative at conference. Regular Socialist Deputy Modigliani at last sitting, attacked Government’s program for lack of definiteness and insufficiency proposals relative to the reform measures. Bissolati spoke of Italy’s legislation in regard to relief and aid to wounded soldiers and families as ahead of any legislation same character in Europe.

Pro-war Socialists blocked National conference in Rome November 30th discussing largely Socialist part at coming Peace Conference. Among resolutions adopted was that Italian Socialist Union collaborated with Socialist and Labor parties who were signatories to London Socialist and Labor conference; that organized labor be represented at coming Peace Conference; that all debates at said Conference be published; that all national units be permitted decide their destinies and that such decisions be guaranteed by international agreement; that League [of] Nations be formed; that secret diplomacy be abolished; that all labor questions be internationalized.

Ministers Bissolati and Berenini have withdrawn from the Socialist Party which was pressing for the calling of a constituent convention in Italy. Press earnestly advocating Italy’s asserting herself as one of victors in war and gathering fruits thereof.

Italian warships are now at Constantinople. Italian authorities have occupied, there, the Palazzo di Venezia, naval units are in waters of Dodecanese Islands, meanwhile Italian program in Adriatic is developing. Italian troops occupied Sebenico, November 6th, Zara, November 7th. Naval contingents in Dalmatia have been strengthened by reinforcements from army, Islands of Premuda, Selve, Isola Grossa, Pago, Ulbe, and Zuri, all of Dalmatian Archipelago, also Veglia, Arbe, and Lussin have been occupied. Naval and army contingents [Page 462] occupied Fiume, November 15th in conjunction with Allied troops. Official reports state bulk of Austro-Hungarian fleet disarmed. Mine fields along enemy coast being cleared and Austro-Hungarian merchant marine being put in navigable condition. Engineering forces Italian army reestablishing communications in liberated and annexed territories. Railroad and telegraphic service being rapidly reestablished. Situation along this coast somewhat less critical, but still far from settled. Italians claim French influence against Italian interests.

Signor Segre, formerly Commissioner of Refugees in Italy and citizen of Trieste, states immigration of Austrian and German elements to Trieste has been carried on systematically by enemy during the last weeks; that such immigrants arriving at the rate of 1,000 per diem; that only way to prevent this plan of enemy to Austrianize and Germanize Trieste and other Italian cities on Adriatic is for Italian Government absolutely to close present military frontier for definite period so that Government may make inventory of all movable and personal property which is now being removed or claimed by unlawful owners.

Admiral Calvilleni at popular gathering November 30th at Fiume is reported to have said in speech that diplomatic discussions were under way regarding rights [of] Fiume, but that such discussions were merely debates of diplomats and political men; that Fiume was Italian and would remain so; that no intermeddling could in any way damage Italian rights. A massed meeting at Rome November 30th in theater where many Government representatives were present, urged immediate annexation of Fiume to Italy. Sarajevo. Jugo-Slav ministry still appears uncertain, though last reports make it wholly composed of Servian ministers. Much uncertainty exists regarding relations between Hungarian Government and Croat National Council. General Boroevic, formerly in supreme command of Austro-Hungarian armies on Italian front, still appears to be commander-in-chief of Jugo-Slav army. King Nicholas of Montenegro has publicly declared he prefers Serb-Jugo-Slav Federation to militaristic kingdom which would result in Servian domination. For Colonel Buckey’s report Dalmatian conditions, see my 2445.34

Economical. The Venice consulate reports food conditions growing worse, due necessity diverting supplies to Trieste, Trent and liberated provinces. Catania reports high prices continue though food slightly more plentiful. Milan reports no improvement in food situation and increased speculation. Genoa reports prices incredible and [?] with coal and slight reduction in prices. Paris informed.

Nelson Page