WITHIN TWO HOURS OF WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 301, 1 October 1938, Page 7

WITHIN TWO HOURS OF WAR.

MUSSOLINI’S INTERVENTION. HAILED AS SAVIOUR OF EUROPE LONDON, September 30. That Europe was two hours from war at noon on Wednesday is the disclosure made from reliable sources in Rome. The correspondent of the British United Press at Rome says that Herr Hitler intended • to send an overwhelming force to Czechoslovakia at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The British Ambassador (the Earl of Perth) twice visited the Foreign'Minister (Count Ciano), spurring Signor Mussolini into action, for it was noon when he telephoned Herr Hitler, doubtless asking him to postpone action. The Rome correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says the widespread relief at the news of the Munich conference was replaced bv a feeling of satisfaction and enthusiastio pride at wliat is described as Signor Mussolini’s triumph. The conviction prevails that thanks to him war was averted. The newspapers hail Signor Mussolini as the saviour of Europe. MUSSOLINI WELCOMED. PEACE ACCORDING TO JUSTICE. (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) ROME, September 30. Signor Mussolini received a great welcome and was lauded as the saviour of European peace. A crowd of 150,000 cheering people hold up for five minutes the beginning of n brief speech from the balcony of the Palazza Venezia. Signor Mussolini said; “Comrades, — You have lived memorable hours. At Munich wo worked for peace according to justice.”