In order that the maximum of confusion and of cross
currents in the Balkans may be reached, it is now stated that the Italians are very strongly protesting against the Claims of the Greeks in regard to Southern Albania. According to the Pall Mall Gazette of Thursday and a state- ment by "a diplomatic correspondent" in the Daily Mail on Friday, the friction is becoming acute. The writer in the Vaily Mail states that the Italian Government is apprehensive Of the appearance of Greece as a maritime rival in the Medi-:
terranean, and is anxious at all costs to neutralize the strength accruing to the Greek fleet from the acquisition of the islands of the ./Egean. Italy is also, we are told, protesting against the claim of Greece to the coast of Albania opposite the Greek island of Corfu. This, it is alleged, would give her complete control over the narrow channel between the island and the mainland. For this reason the Italian Government declares that this piece of coast must be included within the Albanian frontiers. Otherwise the "bottle-neck leading into the Adriatic " would, if held by Greece, " gravely menace Italy's naval position." This, we presume, means that Italy thinks that Greece might be in a position to close the Straits of Otranto if her frontier were advanced so as to include Janina and the parts adjacent.
