FLEET IN MEDITERRANEAN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 5, 18 October 1935, Page 5

FLEET IN MEDITERRANEAN.

REASONS FOR MAINTENANCE.

MISTRUST OF MUSSOLINI. LONDON, October 17. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says it is understood that the British Note to France, refusing to reduce naval strength in the Mediterranean, emphasises that, existing precautions will be maintained until the between Britain and Italy ietum to a basis of’friendship. The Note is alsp believed to be a reminder that Mussolini is now at war in defiance of a number of solemn pledges, and that the value of any future pledge is largely vitiated in advance. The Note also repeats the demand for an unconditional assurance that France will fulfil, up to the hilt, the obligation assumed by all 'League members under Article XVI of the Covenant that they “will mutually support one another in resisting any special measures aimed at one of their number by a Covenantbreaking State.” ; The “News-Chronicle” says that the previous French assurance is considered too evasive. It adds that -■ ■ Laval’s view is understood to he that British naval reinforcements wtere sent to the Mediterranean before the League reached any decision, and therefoie the fleet is not there under a league mandate and is not in a position to enforce sanctions, / apparently meaning that in the event of art Italian attack, no French help can be expected. The British Ambassador (Sir George Clerk), in presenting the British Note, says the “News Chronicle,” emphasised in the strongest terms the British view that full and complete French cooperation with the League is necessary; in other words, M. Laval must finally decide whether the League is of greater importance to France than friendship with Italy.