FRUIT OF ROME TALKS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22610, 16 January 1939, Page 9

FRUIT OF ROME TALKS

“Wide Interchange Of Views”

PEACE POLICY

REAFFIRMED Special Conventions To Be Concluded (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPIHIOHT.) (Received January 15, 10.30 p.m.) ROME, January 15. An official communique states: “In the conversations between II Duce and the British Prime Minister, major questions of moment and relations between the two Empires were examined.

“The conversations have been characterised by the greatest cordiality, which led to a frank and wide interchange of views.

“Both sides reaffirmed their intention to develop the relations between the two countries in the spirit of friendship animating the British-Italian Agreement. It was also decided to proceed at the earliest moment to the conclusion of special conventions as provided for in that agreement.

“During the conversations there acain emerged a firm Ttalo-British determination to nursue a policy aiming effectively at the maintenance of peace—the policy towards which the efforts of both Governments have been and will continue to be directed.”

Mr Chamberlain issued the following statement in Rome:—“ There has been no new agreement, but we have established better contact and I think we shall see the fruits of it later.”

Count Ciano (Italian Foreign Minister) “I am most satisfied.” He hinted that he might shortly visit London.

Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano headed a party of high Italian Government officials which bade farewell to Mr Chamberlain from the railway station. Massed bands played “God Save the King” and the Fascist hymn, “Giovanezza.”

Mr Chamberlain received Italian newspapermen. He said the visit had not been intended for the making of specific agreements, but to reach a more intimate understanding of the British and Italian viewpoints, which had been achieved.

“Lord Halifax and myself are departing more than ever convinced of the Italian Government’s goodwill and good faith,” he said. “I am sure the conversations will bear future fruit, not only in British-Italian relations but for European collaboration.”

The Pope presented Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax with gold medals inscribed with portraits of Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More, saying: “I give these great Britons of former time to similar Britons today.” A British Official Wireless message says: “There is authority for stating that the British Ministers are thoroughly satisfied with the results of the visit to Rome, and were much impressed with the frankness and cordiality displayed by II Duce in the course of the conversations, and by his emphatic assurances of his earnest desire for the restoration and preservation of world peace. “Hopes are expressed by those close to Mr Chamberlain that these ‘man to man’ talks in the intimacy of a private room have built a bridge over which later traffic of benefit to both countries may pass. In this respect it is confidently asserted that these contacts fulfilled expectations. “Both Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax will be present at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, when it is assumed that the results of the visit will be discussed.” Lord Halifax received the French and' United States Ambassadors in Rome and outlined the talks to them. Audience With Pope The correspondent of the British United Press at Rome says an authoritative French source declares that Signor Mussolini assured Mr Chamberlain that he did not envisage any hostilities with France. The social engagements of the British Ministers in Rome ended on Friday night with a banquet at the British Embassy, followed by a reception at which Mr Chamberlain and Signor Mussolini met briefly. They agreed on the text of a formal communique on the conversations and it will be issued at Rome tomorrow.

The Pope granted an audience to Mr Chamberlain alid Lord Halifax at the Vatican. He modified the usually strict etiquette requiring visitors to wear evening dress, and permitted formal morning clothes. They spent half, an hour alone with the Pope, who is reported to have encouraged Mr Chamberlain to continue his efforts for European peace, the settlement of the Spanish problem, and the assistance of Jewish refugees. It is understood Mr Chamberlain expressed satisfaction with the Rome talks.