GEOGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF THE ADRIATIC PROBLEM. 



By DOUGLAS JOHNSON. 



(Read April 22, ig20.) 



No question before the Peace Conference presented greater diffi- 

 culties than that of Italy's eastern frontier. The Adriatic problem 

 is essentially a geographic problem. It subdivides itself into a 

 question of naval geography and a question of land frontiers. 



The mountainous, ragged eastern coast of the Adiratic with its 

 numerous harbors, is in strong contrast with the low; simple western 

 coast where harbors are few in number and inferior in quality. 

 Any naval power on the eastern coast must find itself possessing 

 immense advantages over Italy. A fleet taking refuge in one of 

 the Italian harbors is visible from far out to sea because of the 

 flatness of the coast, whereas vessels secreted along the eastern 

 shore are invisible behind mountain barriers. From the low western 

 coast observation of an approaching squadron is limited as com- 

 pared with the better observation enjoyed by those on the dominat- 

 ing heights of the eastern shores. Coast defense artillery has little 

 choice of inferior positions on the Italian side, and unlimited choice 

 of excellent positions on the eastern coast. A fleet emerging from 

 one of the western harbors to give battle may be taken unawares 

 before it can develop its battle formation ; while a fleet manoeuvering 

 behind the protective fringe of islands along the east coast may 

 emerge from a number of passages simultaneously and assume a 

 predetermined formation without delay. The Italian submarines, 

 scouting along the eastern shores, find the bottom rough and deep, 

 so that lying in wait for an enemy is a danegrous procedure; while 

 the Austrian submarine finds shallow water and a smooth bottom 

 upon which to lie concealed, pending the passage of an intended 

 victim. The clear waters along the eastern coast reveal hidden 

 mines or submarines to the scouting hydroplane, while the murkier 



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