the
Yugoslav Government at Split complained of were the methods they
employed in the gratuitous or semi-gratuitous distribution of food,
clothing and money:

I

GOVERNMENT OF DALMATIA AND OF THE DALMATIAN ISLANDS AND OF THE CURZOLA
ISLANDS

SUBJECT: _Question of Food Supplies for the Civil Population._

No. 43. _March_ 18, 1919.

To all subject authorities:

I have heard that several commanding officers who have to distribute
food to the civilian population have, by virtue of an authorization that
they may save part of the entered amounts for the purpose of using that
sum for propaganda, saved a conspicuous quantity without having the
possibility of using it later. As it has been ascertained that the only
effective means of propaganda is the distribution of food supplies ...
amounts which are useless [for other purposes] and absolutely necessary
for purposes of propaganda.

THE VICE-ADMIRAL
THE GOVERNOR,
E. MILLO.

II

ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF DALMATIA AND OF THE DALMATIAN ISLANDS AND OF THE
CURZOLA ISLANDS

STAFF. SECTION OF PROPAGANDA, No. Prot. "P." SEBENICO, _April_ 18, 1919.

The section of propaganda of the Government of Dalmatia, whose object is
the rapid diffusion of Italianity in this noble region which gives at
last to Italy the complete dominion over the most bitter Adriatic, has
set before itself a vast programme of truly Italian action ... it is
therefore necessary to give these latter certain advantages ... it has
been suggested that Italian schools be favoured ... that offices be
opened for the gratuitous or semi-gratuitous distribution of food, that
presents be given to the indigent population, that fetes and spectacles
be organized.

[Signature illegible.]

These two documents give some indication of the plan of campaign. One
might mention, by the bye, that during this period there was a great
shortage of food-stuffs in Italy; large quantities were being sent from
the United States. The Yugoslav Government at Split complained of the
disastrous social and moral results of these proceedings. It gave rise
to many abuses and to a clandestine trade. On the young it had, for
example, at Split a most unhealthy influence; all they had to do was to
go on board the _Puglia_, the Italian flagship, whether their parents
allowed them or not, and there they were given both provisions and cash.
As elsewhere in the world there are at Split a number of idlers and
scamps, who seized this opportunit