OUTSIDE FRAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 263, 7 November 1939, Page 7

OUTSIDE FRAY.

ITALY'S ATTITUDE. Prepared To Face Supreme Test If Needed. MUSSOLINI SPEAKS. (Received 11 a.m.) ROME, November 6. Italian newspaj>ers warn the world not to think that because Italy is standing outside the European fray she is not sufficiently prepared to face a supreme test. Italy, it is emphasised, is to-day not involved, firstly, because she chooses not to be tied to anybody's apron-strings, and, secondly, because she is resolved to fight only in her own interests and in the higher interest of a sounder European system, in which she may secure for herself a jjosition more consonant with her effective strength.

It is added that, if others dare not reveal their own objectives. Fascist Italy is conscious of her own aims and is reaay to realise them against anybodv whatsoever.

Signor Mussolini had long talks 'with his military leaders last night. He talked for nearly two hours with. Marshal Graziani and also had a long discussion with Crown Prince Umberto, who was appointed on August 31 to command fine of Italy's two Army groups. II Duce also conferred with, the new Under-Secretary for War, General Soddu.

On Friday Signor Mussolini conferred with Marshal Badoglio, Chief of the General Staff.

Signor Mussolini said he had addea 3000 lieutenants and non-commissioned officers to the new troop units.

BELGIAN PROTEST.

NAZI PLANE OVER BORDER. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON. November 6. The Brussels correspondent of the British United Press says the Belgian Ambassador to (Germany. Vicomic d" Avignon, is protesting to Germany about the flight of a Nazi "plane .mi Belgian terriiorv on Suinl.iv.