“TIME TO BURY HATCHET”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 9

“TIME TO BURY HATCHET”

Italians and Britain POWERS MAY MOVE TO END TENSION Pact in Mediterranean? ■By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received May 23, 1.10 a.m.) London, May 22. The “Morning Post's’’ diplomatic correspondent says that plans for liquidating the Italian impasse may shortly be the subject of an exchange of views lietween London and Paris. Contact may also be made with Rome since all three Governments arc anxious to end the deadlock. The majority oi League members share the ’anxiety and realise that a continuance oj tension, notauly AngloItalian tension, manes .European siabiihy unpossiOie, and piays into the Hands ol Germany.

Il seems pronaoie that the League Council in June win agree to aujvuiu me uiseussiuu on AujssxUia uum me auiuiuli on me uuuersumumg mat me iHieivemug permit win ue spent, in uc guiiatiug >Min iiaiy wim ine oujeei of uniiing a formuia satisiactory Lo me neugtie anu me conclusion ot a security pact in the Aieunerrauean saieguaruuig Britain s communications anu interests .n Egypt ami Asia Minor. The ■’Morning Post s” Rome correspondent says that Hie Italian Press gives prominence to reports of an Angio-Italian rapprochement. Official circles emphasise that Signor Mussuiim desires a return to co-operation, but does not wish to disturb the Empire’s legitimate interests. The French Pi ess connects an unexpected visit of the King of the Belgians to England with efforts to find a basis for an Anglo-Italian discussion. The Rome corresporident of "The Times” says that recently there have been suggestions from most unexpected quarters that it is time to bury the hatchet. The strongly-Fascist Senator Chimientt boldly maintained that the traditional friendship of Italy toward Britain continues. The correspondent, however, points out that the persistent anti-British campaign has done great harm and has made an impression on the masses that it will take long to remove.

The Rome correspondent of "The Times” says it is denied that Marshal Badoglio was hastily recalled owing to the European situation. He is returning for a short period of leave, partly for health reasons and also oecause Signor .Mussolini desires a full report on the situation in Abyssinia.

Signor Mussolini has throughout insisted that the Abyssinian dispute should be regarded purely as a colonial affair devoid of European repercussions, and claims to have maintained his pledge to prevent the African conflict from developing into a European war.

There is now no doubt that Ins recent declarations to Mr. Ward Price were intended for the British nation at large, and it will not be surprising, therefore, if be now follows up these declarations by taking soundings in a niorte official manner.

The diplomatic correspondent of "The Times” says that Signor Grandi, Italian Ambassador, called at the Foreign Office and discussed the strength of the British Legation Guard at Addis Ababa which Britain has not yet decided to reduce. It is believed that France is also undecided regarding the withdrawal of her troops at Diredawa. "My policy has never planned and does not plan any harm whatsoever to the interests of the* British Empire,” Signor Mussolini told Mr. Ward Price in a special interview for the "Daily Mail,’’ juat after the fall of Addis Ababa. "Italy has not the remotest hankering after Egypt. Victory puts her in the group of satisfied Powers. I give you my word we have no further colonial ambitions. Henceforth we will become sound conservatives and turn our attention to Europe. “Events make the urgency of reform of the League pressing. Italy is prepared to help. It is my conviction that the League can and must continue, but its spirit must be adapted to the needs of the respective nations. Italy was obliged to view the reoccupation of the Rhineland with reserve owing to sanctions. She is now ready to help in bringing about a frank and definite understanding between the Great Powers of Europe. If they go to war the whole European civilisation will crash. “We mean to settle the Abyssinian problem once and for all. We shall not shut the door against the economic enterprise of friendly countries.” Asked whether this included Britain and France, Signor Mussolini tersely replied that they were certainly included. Reiterating that Italy had no political interest in the Sudan and Palestine and regarded Egypt as independent in the Mediterranean, the Duce said: “What more can I do or say? I am ready to confirm what I have said in any form that may be required.” SELASSIE GOING TO ENGLAND Wants to See King Edward (Received May 22, 9.5 p.m.) London, May 22. The Jerusalem correspondent of “The Times” says it is understood that Haile Selassie will proceed to England to-day or to-morrow. According to the “Daily Telegraph’s” Jerusalem correspondent, Haile Selassie wants to see King Edward and to consult British authorities about future plans. He is also anxious to attend the League Council meeting on June 16.