HURRIED MEETING

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 264, 7 November 1935, Page 7

HURRIED MEETING

BRITISH MINISTERS.

Sequel to Conversations in Rome. LIBYA POSITION DISCUSSED? United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON', November 6. As the sequel to a meeting in Rome between the British Ambassador, Sir Eric Drumrnoncl, and Signor Mussolini, the British Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, hurriedly summoned and conferred with the Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Bolton EyresMonsell, the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister, and other members of the Cabinet, also defence officials.

The "Daily Mail" diplomatic correspondent says he understands that the possibility was discussed of the withdrawal by Britain of two battleships and other vessels from the Mediterranean if Signor Mussolini would agree to recall more troops from Libya.

The "News-Chronicle" Rome correspondent says it is believed that II Duce will agree to withdraw another division from Libya if Britain removes some of her warships.

The Rome correspondent of "The Times" says the Foreign Office spokesman states that Signor Mussolini probably referred to the recent withdrawal of a division from Libya and expressed his expectation that it would have been appreciated in London, and that Sir Eric Drummond explained the reasons for Britain's lack of response to that action. Nevertheless, the visit of the Ambassador to Signor Mussolini is regarded as encouraging.

It is emphasised in London that the conversations between Signor Mussolini and Sir Eric Drummond at Rome are at quite a preliminary stage, and in view of the reciprocal wish for satisfactory progress, it is likely that further talks between the Ambassador and the head of the Italian Government will take place as opportunity occurs.