The so-called principle of "equal opportunity" in such
questions would mean that even in matters closely bound up
with her national defence, Italy would be confronted with
claims which are incompatible with her national interest
and state sovereignty and are, consequently, entirely con-
trary to international ju'stice. One may conclude from this
what may result from the abuse of so-called "equal oppor-
tunity," in other words from abuse of the principle of
"equality," when it is forced upon tine weak in order actually
to place him at the mercy of the strong.

The head of the Italian delegation passed by these prob-
lems of the peace treaty, evidently because he did not con-
sider them important, or lie evaded them for other reasons.
To us, however, it is clear that these problem's very seriously
concern -the fundamental interests of Italy'* national life.

IV
ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE AND NOT
PROLONGATION OF THE ARMISTICE
Lastly, the head of the Italian delegation advanced the
unexpected thesis that at present we should confine our-
selves only to the <xmclu&ion of a provisional peace, that is,
actually to prolong the armistice, and that the final peace
settlement should be postponed for some time. It is to bo
understood from what he says that he plans to take advan-
tage of this, among other things, in order to hold on until a
more favourable opportunity comes along to realize his
claim to western Istria and Trieste. He even argued that a
final settlement in Europe cannot be achieved before the
conclusion of peace with Germany, although the question
of Germany quite obviously has nothing to do with the prob-
lem of Istria and Trieste.