FIRM WARNING TO ITALY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21644, 30 November 1935, Page 15

FIRM WARNING TO ITALY

Possible Hostility In ' Mediterranean FRENCH SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN MUSSOLINI'S ATTITUDE CAUSES ANXIETY (CjnTED MESS ASSOCIATION -COPYRIGHT.) (Received November 29, 9.30 p.m.? LONDON, November 28.

The "News-Chronicle" and the * "Daily Herald" give prominence to 8 statement that M. Laval warned Signor Mussolini that France would support Britain in the event of hostility against the British in the Mediterranean, which, moreover, would involve war with the whole league,' members of which are bound to support the country singled out by a covenant breaker. The "Daily Herald" declares that ~jf. Laval told Signor V. Cerutti (Italian Ambassador in Paris) that it would be impossible for France to continue simultaneously supporting the league and helping Italy. The newspaper adds that M. Laval is increasingly anxious because of the menacing attitude of Signor Mussolini, who is elated at the success of his whispering campaign. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" recalling M. : Laval's promises' of October 26 of support in the event of an Italian attack on Britain, says it has been found in London that Signor Mussolini was under a misapprehension in that connexion, which might constitute a danger to peace. Accordingly M. Laval repeated the : assurance.

The correspondent also says that Sir George Clerk, British Ambassador ii} Paris, has been instructed to ask M. Laval to make it clear to Italy that an attack by the Italian fleet and air force would find England and France closely united, supported by the whole world. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" says the report that M. Laval told Signor Cerutti that an Italian attack on Britain would cause France to support Britain in military action, is not confirmed, but if he did so, it was merely to iniornr-rTinor Mussolini of the assurances already given to Britain.

THIRTY TONS OF BOMBS ABYSSINIAN TOWN ATTACKED AERIAL OBSERVATIONS BY ITALIANS (Received November 29, 7 p.m.) ROME, November 29. A communique announces that two squadrons of 10 giant .Caproni bombers raided Dagabur. The first squadron dropped half of its load on the fortifications, and four minutes later the second squadron flew over and bombed the same areas, after which both observed the effects of the attack for five minutes before they released the remainder of the bombs. The whole affair which occupied 15 minutes, during which the aeroplanes dropped 30 tons of bombs, yras carried out as an*&erial observation. It indicated that the Italians, in order to cut the Djibouti railway, must first destroy the strong points at Dagabur.-

ITALY'S GOLD RESERVES STATEMENTS NO LONGER PUBLISHED / (Received November 29, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 28. The Rome correspondent of the Daily Express" says that the Bank of Italy has stopped publishing financial statements. Consequently, it is impossible to gauge how much gold is left in the treasury, a sure indication of the country's plight. ; Despite the steady procession of people bringing gold rings and other r jewellery as freewill offerings to the Government, Italy's gold reserves must be nearing exhaustion. FOREIGN PLAYS BANNED Bernard shaws comment (Received November 29, 7.30 p.m.) ROME, November 28. Plays of sanctionist countries, excepting those of Shakespeare and Bernard Shaw, and foreign music Me banned in Italy. All forms of fcght music are forbidden. Mr Bernard Shaw, interviewed in London, said: "It is very flattering to be associated with Shakespeare, but I object to my plays receiving preferential treatment in Italy because are 'anti-British.' I have in- : Btructed my agents not to apply for receptions in my favour. I am quite . friendly with Italy, but' cannot ac- | <ept the position of an anti-British i' I consider myself one of I; spitain's best friends."