Paris Peace Conf. 186.3411/99: Telegram
The Commander of United States Naval Forces in the Eastern Mediterranean ( Bullard ) to Admiral W. S. Benson
Adriatic 23. I have received a long memorandum from the Committee of the National Jugo-Slav Council of Fiume-Susak setting forth the history of the administration of Fiume, events concerned with the occupation by Italians, reciting the wrongs done, the general oppression practiced by the usurpers, the Italians, and generally a statement of their grievances supported by affidavits. They protest against the occupation on the part of Italy, first because it has [Page 336] aspirations for territory inhabited by Slavs which forms an ethnographical integral part of Jugoslavia and which declared itself on the 29th of October 1918 held by its National SHS Committee, allied to the Entente and to the United States of America. Second, because it was altogether superfluous since nowhere after the downfall of Austria-Hungary was there any disorder or tumult and which was due afterwards only to the occupation. Third, because it does not seem to have for its aims the maintenance of order, but rather the oppression of the Jugo-Slav population in favor of the Italian aspiration over our [their?] territories. Fourth, because it represents a grave peril for our [their?] national welfare.
They pray first, that the Jugo-Slav element in the occupied territories be protected by the removing of the Italian troops, replacing them by troops of other powers of the Allies and the United States, or at least reducing their contingent to a minimum and confiding the supreme command in the hands of another power, so that at least the Jugo-Slav might enjoy the same rights and liberty as the Italianophiles. Second, to avoid the exportation and confiscation of wheat and food in general, which belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Army and Navy, and which are absolutely necessary for the feeding of the city, and thus prevent the threatening famine. Third, to limit the occupation ordered by the Allies and the United States, if such must be maintained, only to military measures and to replace the officers of the governing political administrative offices to the legal Jugo-Slav authorities.