ITALY LOOKS TO BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22335, 24 February 1938, Page 9

ITALY LOOKS TO BRITAIN

Deep Satisfaction In Rome EUROPE MAY NOT BE SPLIT Reported Granting Of London Credits (rNITF.II PRESS ASSOCIATION--COPYRIGHT.) (Received February 24, 12.15 a.m.) ' LONDON, February 23. Mr Neville Chamberlain’s speech in the House of Commons has aroused great interest, says the Rome correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” It is considered even more important to Italy than Mr Eden’s resignation. The general feeling in official Italian circles, says the Rome correspondent of “The Times,” is one of profound satisfaction. There is now a prospect of better British and Italian relations, and a possibility that the process of splitting Europe into two hostile blocs may be arrested. Lord Perth, the British Ambassador in Rome, who is going to London to see Mr Chamberlain, is bringing personal messages from Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano (Italian Foreign Minister) reiterating Italy’s readiness and goodwill to reach a British and Italian understanding, says the Rome correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” No anti-British matter has been broadcast from the Italian radio station at Bari for the last two oxthree days. , The political correspondent of the “Star” states that the Board of Trade has prepared an agreement by which Italy will be granted substantial credits, beginning with an advance of £5,000,000. This will take the form of a guarantee backed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department indemnifying British exporters against loss.

REPERCUSSIONS IN FRANCE

ATTITUDE TO TALKS WITH ITALY HI,AGNATION OF GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED LONDON, February 22. It is known that when Mr Eden s resignation was regarded as likely the French Foreign Minister (M. Yvon Delbos) informally indicated to Mr Chamberlain that such a happening would perturb France. _ Consequently it is not surprising that messages from France speculate on the possibility of M. Delbos following suit. The Paris correspondent of tne “Daily Telegraph” states that an important Ministerial conference was held to-day, The chief business being to examine whether, in the circumstances, it would be inopportune for the Government to resign to pave the way for a Cabinet unifying the nation. A communique issued after the council of Ministers makes no mention of a proposal that the Government should resign in favour of a National Government. M. Delbos, answering questions, said that though he supported Mr Eden’s policy, he considered that the co-operation of Britain and France was essential to France. _lf Britain opened negotiations with Italy France would decide her course of action in the light of Signor Mussolini’s undertakings. France remained hostile to recognition of the Italian conquest in Abyssinia Without the League’s consent.

OUTLINING POLICY TO DOMINIONS

MEETING OF REPRESENTATIVES THIS WEEK (Received February 23, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. The Associated Press says that one of Mr Chamberlain’s first tasks will be to outline the new British policy to the Dominions, and that he will convene a meeting of the High Commissioners later in the week. grave view taken by LABOUR MOVEMENT LONDON, February 22. The National Council of Labour has called a conference of the Gen- , eral Council of the Trades Union and the executive of the pV-uabour Party to discuss the political situation. The council issued a statement that it views the events leading to Mr Eden’s resignation with the utmost gravity. MR EDEN RECEIVED BY THE KING LONDON, February 22. • Mr R. A. Eden, having visited the Foreign Office to take leave of officials, went to Buckingham Palace to deliver his seal of office on h>s resignation. He was received by the King in an audience >, which lasted for about 45 minutes. ' -