Ricerc@Sapienza

At the Paris Peace Conference of 1919-1920, Italy found itself facing a series of difficulties due to widespread opposition to its territorial demands. The definition of the eastern border and the future of Fiume were undoubtedly the main issues to be addressed. After months of tormented and unsuccessful negotiations and after signing the peace treaties with Austria and Hungary, in fact, the new borders were still unresolved and left for direct consultations between Italy and the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The Treaty of Rapallo was the conclusive moment of this difficult process and momentarily put an end to the long disputes between the two countries. This contribution focuses on the role played by the Royal Navy in the application of the agreement and in particular in ending D’Annunzio’s experiment in Fiume through the imposition of the blockade and then the direct intervention in support of the Army. It was a particularly delicate moment, when fears and suspicions added to determination and loyalty to the institutions; a relevant moment in which Regia Marina’s role was undoubtedly essential.