THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE AND ITALY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22109, 3 June 1937, Page 8

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE AND ITALY

TO THE EDITOR OF THE r'B~.S3 Sir, —Mr Nino Di Somma has written you protesting against your statement that in international matters Italy was untrustworthy. While half admitting the truth of the assertion, he says that other Powers are just as bad. That Italy is very untrustworthy is beyond all doubt or argument, and her word cannot be taken. Yes, Italy got into the war, not for any love for the Allies, but because she could see that the Austrian trouble would overwhelm her if Austria, with Germany’s assistance, won the war. All students of European affairs know the feeling between Italy and Austria over the Tyrol and Its affairs. Witness what Italy did in the Abyssinian so-called war. After Italy had, with others, solemnly signed a treaty or agreement not to attack this country, she broke her bond and attacked Abyssinia, butchering with aeroplanes hundreds of women and children. I hope the British Government will never again take the word of Italy, since Italy’s actions in the face of her League of Nations promise (so soon smashed after Its making) makes Italy to my way of thinking one of the world’s greatest international liars, and Just as bad as Germany. In everyday life a man Is not worth a "tin of fish” whose word cannot be taken, and this applies equally as well to Italy, and all other treatybreakers. May I mention to Mr DI Somma in case he does not know, that Great Britain did not break her word when Germany invaded Belgium.—Yours, etc., D. June 2, 1937.