THE REPRISALS BY ITALY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 28, 14 November 1935, Page 5

THE REPRISALS BY ITALY.

RELIANCE 0N SECRET BARGAIN. A WARNING ,TO MUSSOLINI. (United Press Association—Copyright) ‘ LONDON, 'NBV. 13. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that the. Italian protest» came as an unpleasant surprise. It was generally believed that M. Laval, in return for his opposition to anything beyond economic sanctions, had received Signor Mussolini’s assurance that Italy was {prepared to tolerate economic sanctions, provided they did not endanger Italy’s existence. France now fears that the drastic counter-measures will affect trade. [The “P‘etit Parisien,” which is often in close touch with M. Laval, urges Italy not‘to adopt measures which demand reprisals, as otherwise there might be douibts 'ab'out the limiting of the conflict; . ~ Meanwhile M. Laval is concerned principally with the Mediterranean. It is understood» that he is pressing Signor Mussolini to withdraw another division from Libya. - It is believed that Signor Mussolini has proposed an Anglo-Italian Mediterranean pact, which the British authorities regard at present as too ambitious, desiring first to clear up the situation in Libya.