Corfu 1923

• The League suffered a major setback as it was shown that they could be bullied by powerful countries.
• 5 Italian surveyors were supposedly killed in Corfu and Mussolini demanded compensation, leading to an invasion of Corfu.
• The League aimed to condemn Italy but Italy used its veto as a security council permanent member to stop the League.
• one of the boundaries that had to be sorted out after WW1 was the border between Greece and Albania. While surveying the Greek side of the frontier, Tellini and his team were ambushed and killed. Mussolini blamed the Greek government. On the 31st of August, Mussolini bombarded and occupied the island of Corfu. 15 people were killed
• By September 7th, the League of Nations had prepared its judgement, which condemned Mussolini's actions. It also suggested that Greece pay compensation, but that this would be held by the League to be paid to Italy if Tellini's killers were found.
• Mussolini wanted the matter to be settled by the Conference of Ambassador's because the Council of the League "were not competent". He threatened to leave the League of Nations if this did not happen
• British were prepared to send out warships to force Mussolini out of Corfu. However, the French disagreed and backed up the Italians because the french troops were occupied in the Ruhr and could not handle a dispute with Italy as well.
• The League's ruling changed from condemning Mussolini, to ordering that the Greeks apologise and pay compensation directly to Italy. on 27th of September, Mussolini withdrew
• When was the crisis in Corfu?

  1923