Le Dodécanèse à la Conférence de Lausanne (1922-1923)

Abstract

The aim of this article is the analysis of the Italian policy at the Conference of Lausanne in the Dodecanece question. The writer, making an extensive use of primary sources, brings forward that the assign to Italy of the Dodecanese Islands would become the starting point for the realization of Mussolini’s policy of the Italian expansion in the Eastern Mediterranean. Britain, however, wished that the Dodecanese be ceded to Greece and Italy be recompensed in Africa. Thus, in conjunction with her domination of Cyprus. Britain would consolidate her supremacy in that area. But before any agreement could be reached between the Allies, Britain closed the first phase of the Conference and the Dodecanese question remained in suspense. the opening of the second phase of the Conference Italy appeared with the support of France and the consent of Britain that the Dodecanese would definitely be allotted to Italy, Greece’s protests that the allied decision was against the principle of nationality and the previous agreements remained a dead letter. The writer reachgg,ţhe conclusion that the Dodecanese Islands were lost eece at Lausanne for reasons that had to do with a general policy of Britain and France to satisfy Italy.