FATEFUL TALKS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 149, 20 March 1933, Page 9

FATEFUL TALKS

Great Britain and Italy STATESMEN’S VISIT Mr. MacDonald & Sir J. Simon MEETING WITH MUSSOLINI (Received March 19, 7.15 p.m.) Official Wireless. Rugby, Mar. 18. In order to carry on co " v . ers “ t *'’"® on current questions with Signor Mussolini, the British Prime Minister, Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald, and the Foreign Secretary. Sir John Simon, reached Ostia, Italy* ,n .. seaplane personally piloted by the Italian Air Minister, General Balbo. The party, which included Miss Ishbel MacDonald, was cordially re'ceived by representatives of the itai jan Government. There was a dramatic moment when the Fascist leader and the British Premier met for the first time face to face. After a quick glance they shook hands. Signor Mussolini wore a silk hat and morning dress. Mr. MacDonald wore a brown suit; he looked tired.

Miss Ishbel MacDonald was overwhelmed with flowers. One bouquet was from the Governor of Rome, Prince Concampagni. Two cars brought the British party to the Embassy, where luncheon followed a drive round the city. They visited St. Peter’s and the Protestant cemetery, in which are the graves of Shelley and Keats. Meanwhile Signor Mussolini had a remarkable reception on entering the Chamber of Deputies, members of the House rising and cheering him. The first fateful talk began in the Palazzo Venezia at 7.30, and lasted until 10 p.m. No communique was issued.

It is understood that Mr. MacDonald explained fully his disarmament proposals, which so far have been published only briefly in Italy. The banquet was delayed by the length of the conference. Hailstones were pelting down as .the 110 guests entered the Palazzo Venezia. A band played Scottish airs in Mr. MacDonald’s honour.

During the banquet Signor Mussolini rose and said: “I raise my glass to the health of the King and Queen of England.” The band then played the National Anthem. Mr. MacDonald rose and replied: “I raise my glass to the health of the King and Queen of Italy.” These were the only speeches. Thereafter Mr. MacDonald conversed with the Finance Minister and other guests. Signor Mussolini and Sir John Simon then retired to a corner and continued a low-tone conversation till long after Mr. MacDonald had left. The talks will continue on Sunday. Mr. MacDonald and Sir John Simon will probably visit His Holiness the Pope and the Fascist exhibition. Their engagements also include, luncheon with the King and Queen of Italy and dinner at the British Embassy. They will depart by air on Sunday. On his return journey Mr. MacDonald will make a brief stay at Paris, where he will meet the French Premier, M. Daladier, who with M. Paul Boncour was at Geneva engaged in a discussion on the disarmament question with Mr. MacDonald and Sir John Simon.