SUMMING UP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 72, 27 March 1939, Page 9

SUMMING UP.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS.

Speech Left Door Open For

Talks With France.

FRILLS FOR FOLLOWERS

Independent Cable Service.

(Received 12 noon.)

LONDON, March 26.

Signor Mussolini's speech did not fulfil premonitions that it Avould create a new crisis. First impressions in London were that though the speech as usual was violent for his own followers' consumption, it left the door open for negotiations between France and Italy, while his dragging in of the Adriatic in references to the Mediterranean is interpreted as a hint to Herr Hitler that II Duce would look askance at an adventure in Yugoslavia, designed to give Germany an Adriatic port. In Paris it is considered that the speech neither aggravates nor relieves the situation. Diplomatic "h-des in Rome declare that II Duce merely developed the King's statement that Italy was prepared to negotiate with France, though she expects the initiative to come from Paris. It is pointed out that 11 Duce could not make a speech of diplomatic niceties while speaking to the Fascist Old Guard, but managed to sandwich into fighting words a peaceful statement of his demands. ' AXIS SOLIDARITY. Exchange Of Messages By Rome And Berlin. "OVERTHROW OLD WORLD." (Received 1.30 p.m.) ROME, March 26. Signor Mussolini telegraphed to Herr Hitler: "A new conception of life unites our two revolutionary movements which are destined to overthrow the old world's reactionary, conservative positions and eliminate the danger of Bolshevism. This will rebound to the benefit of our peoples and ensure peaceful developments of European civilisation, on a new basis." An inspired statement to the foreign Press in Berlin says: "Italy has clearly defined II Duce's words regarding the historic claims for Tunis, Jibouti and the Suez Canal. The question of method has been left open, but the possibility of further evading a reply scarcely exists. II Duce's speech demonstrates to the world the complete unity of the axis policy." HITLER IN MUNICH. Citizens Obey Orders To Gather And Cheer. FUEHRER HEARS DUCE SPEAK. (Received 1.30 p.m.) MUNICH, Manch 26. Herr Hitler arrived by train from Berlin. Crowds assembled obedient to notices and cheered as he drove to a flat in the main street and later appeared on the second floor balcony with the Bavarian Governor, Herr von Epp, and the political leader, Herr Adolf Wagner.

The Fuehrer listened in to Signor Mussolini's speech, the German translation of which was broadcast half an hour later.

JAPAN AND THE AXIS. Reported Cabinet Split On Military Alliance. CRISIS THREATENING. LONDON, March 26. 6ne hundred members of the Japanese Diet presented a petition to the Prime Minister, Baron Hiranuma, advocating a .tripartite military alliance against Britain and France, who "are" obstructing Japan's sacred mission," says a message from Tokyo. A Cabinet crisis is threatening as a result of a 'German proposal to convert the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo axis into a military alliance against the democratic States, says the Tdkyo correspondent of the British United Press. Ministerial conferences are being held. The majority of the Cabinet at present is opposed to being involved in European affairs. CAREFUL STUDY. LONDON ANALYSES SPEECH. British Official Wireless. (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, March 26. Signor Mussolini's speech in Rome is being studied carefully in London, and meanwhile considered comment is withheld. On a preliminary reading of the speech the first impression in authoritative quarters is that its terms do not belie the general expectations formed after the recent utterance by the King of Italy, and it does not appear to introduce any new or unfavourable factor into the disturbed European situation.

It was anticipated that the speech would be characterised by the customary vigour and pugnacity, and it does not lack these qualities, but in its substance the view is taken that there is little in the speech that can be described as unduly aggressive.

The loyalty to the axis, which is expressed, has not prevented II Duce from laying special emphasis upon the particular needs of Italy, and these passages are receiving special attention. Signor Mussolini's insistence on the necessity for Europe enjoying a long period of peace will be warmly endorsed in London, and in this connection a careful study is being given to references in the speech to Italian aspirations, for it is felt in London that there is still time for Italy and France to negotiate for a settlement of their differences. Nothing in the speech seems calculated to check such development. Tineatciiinjr language has been avoided, and the Italian claims do not go beyond what is familiar ground. Italy's needs in the Mediterranean and in the Adriatic also are well understood.