Paris Peace Conf. 865.00/7: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page ) to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
[Received January 1, 1919—4:30 p.m.]
43. Italian Cabinet situation growing out of Bissolati’s opposition to Sonnino’s program and consequent resignation still unsolved and uncertain. Reasons for resignation appear to be difference with Sonnino over Adriatic and disapproval over Orlando’s alleged half heartedness in real application Wilsonian principles to Italian national and international problems. As portion of press backing Sonnino and Orlando skillfully avoiding or making issue [sic] and as press backing Bissolati is considerably censored in its rather generic expression of views, a confidential statement from Bissolati himself has been given me. Bissolati’s actual following in the country is not believed very large. At present the propaganda for Italian expansion along eastern Adriatic shore is tremendous, but [and?] influential. Milan’s Corriere Delia Sera is favoring him. Orlando considerably embarrassed will endeavor conciliation, but this not likely without substantial concessions to Bissolati’s views. Meanwhile executive committee Italian Reform Socialist Party passes resolution forbidding in effect any Reform Socialist from joining Cabinet as Bissolati’s successor.
Pro Dalmatia Day celebrated yesterday in principal cities of Italy. Imposing procession at Rome with enthusiastic gatherings largely under organization of Italian universities. Representatives demand freedom of all Italian cities of Dalmatia. Similar gatherings Naples, Florence, Genoa. It looks as though all this is with at least consent of Government which finds itself apparently distrusted by British election and the favor with which the foreign propaganda is received here.