MENACE TO PEACE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 61, 23 December 1935, Page 5

MENACE TO PEACE

GERMANY EXPECTS CALAMITY.

FUTURE OF MEDITERRANEAN. BRITISH FORCES IN EGYPT. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, December 22. A correspondent of the “Sun-Her-ald” Service says it is long since the international situation at Yuletide was so menacing. Whatever has emerged in the last few days, nothing is clearer than that Italy is more determined than ever to blame Britain for any happening contrary to her welfare. The future of the Mediterranean is discussed in all quarters. Germany regards the speeches by Mr Baldwin and Sir Samuel Hoare as evidences of their belief that war is by no means a distant possibility. “However we look at matters, we come back to the fact that Britain officially admits that Europe is on the way to a serious crisis, with the possibility of an armed struggle in the Mediterranean, in which Italy and Britain will be the chief figures. There is not the slightest hint as to how the British Government proposes to avoid a calamity.” The “Tageblatt” added: “Significance is 'Tent to Britain’s .forces and material in Egypt to the Meditenanean by the fact that the Admiralty and War Office approved the release of the information. \ By a coincidence neus from Rome reports a movement ot Italian forces in Libya and preparations for the early dispatch • from Italy of a further mechanised Division and troops to Benghani, on the Libyan coast. -Although Signor Mussolini withdrew certain units from Libya it has never been clear whether the whole Division left Africa. It is known that several hundred motor vehicles of various types have been sent to Libya in the intervening period. The bulk o these forces has been concentrated on Eastern Libya, along the Egyptian frontier, and at present outnumber the British forces in Egypt by three to one. The mechanised division increases the preponderance. ’ ’ SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN. SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPEANS. PLEDGES! REPORTED AS GIVEN.

LONDON, December 21. The ' Paris correspondent of tnc “Dally Telegraph” says it is reported that the British inquiry—just ed—whether Turkey, Jugoslavia, Greece and Rumania would support the British Navy, in the event of ap Bah-m attack was made beyoie Sn bamu Hoare met M. Laval in Paris on December 7. It is understood that within 24 hours.all four Governments had affirmativelv answered the British. iequest and pledged their support, and it is stated that the necessary arrangements for co-operation will shortly be negotiated by the general staffs concerned. A similar request was also made to Spain, but the result is not yet known. Another correspondent declares, however, that the most important reactions to the British inquiry was a message from Constantinople saying that it Turkey were to fall into line, it could only be if. she were empowered to fortify the Dardanelles, which otherwise lay the country open to attack. . Though official quarters m London disclaim knowledge of a movement for a special meeting of the League Council to discuss mutual assistance it is believed this may be the next step taken by the Council. It is expected that the Council will put on record the replies Britain receives from the Mediterranean Powers about the forces they are prepared to place at the disposal of the League in the event of an attack on a League member. The last two days have seen a- rising tide of opinion among the smaller Powers in favour of backing the League to the limit, as a joint meeting of the Little Entente and the Balkan Entente, affirming loyalty to the Covenant, indicates. League .circles consider that a special meeting of the Council in January, affirming determination to support the Covenant, if necessary by material force, would have greater moral effect than the imposition of further sanctions. SUPPORT OF BRITAIN. SATISFACTION IN TURKEY. (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) LONDON, December 22. The Constantinople correspondent of “The Times” says that the Turks are greatly impressed and satisfied with Turkey’s decision, in agreement with other signatories to the Balkan Pact, to support Britain in the event of •Italian attack on her in the Mediterranean. Turkish opinion from the outset has overwhelmingly supported Abyssinia, especially in view of Turkey’s suspicions that Italy harboured hostile designs -on Anatolia. Britain s firm stand in the dispute was warmly admired. The appointment of Mr Eden as Foreign Secretary fully restores Ottoman confidence in British uprightness.