FRIENDSHIP WITH ALL AND ENMITY WITH NONE

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 93, 13 January 1939, Page 9

FRIENDSHIP WITH ALL AND ENMITY WITH NONE

Chamberlain Carries Appeasement Policy

To Rome

DUCE WELCOMES PREMIER AS SINCERE WORKER FOR PEACE ■

Short, But Cordial, Interview Opens

Official Conversations

Bv Telegraph. —Press A'ssn. —Copyright.

ROME, January 12. “I come here in pursuit of the policy for which 1 stand —-the policy of friendship with all and enmity with none, a policy directed to a just and peaceful solution of international difficulties by the method of negotiation, said Mr. Chamberlain in reply to Signor Mussolini, at the State banquet given in honour of the British delegation here last night.

“I am happy to think that our two Governments have been able to give concrete expression to this policy, he continued, “for it was in this spirit that they concluded last spring the Anglo-Italian Agreement which has just been put into force.

“It is noteworthy that, as one of the first fruits of the Agreement, the two Governments were able yesterday, here ind in London, to proceed to make the exchange of military nformation for which the Agreement provides.

“Convinced as we are that our interests in the Mediterranean, while of vital importance to us both, yet need in no way conflict with one another, we believe that the Agreement has opened a new chapter of friendship and confidence between us, which should be fruitful for the future stability of Europe.”

Mr. Chamberlain opened his speech with thanks for the warmth of the reception given to the delegation. He expressed his pleasure at seeing with his own eyes the new Italy, powerful and progressive, and expressed the indebtedness of all to Signor Mussolini for his help and co-operation, “which contributed so decisively to the peaceful results of the Munich Conference.”

Speaking before Mr. Chamberlain, Signor Mussolini said: “I greet you as most welcome guests, representing a great and friendly nation, and I express the sympathy with which Italy follows your endeavours.”

The spirit of comprehension and firmness with which Mr. Chamberlain had collaborated for a just solution of problems threatening the life of Europe in September and the tenacity with which he had pursued his peace programme had been most sincere, continued the Duce, and hall obtained the sincerest appreciation of Italy, which had always believed In peace founded on justice. The Anglo-Italian accord had put the relationship between Italy and Britain on a solid basis, not only constituting a new phase of friendship and understanding of the new Mediterranean and African realities, but opening a new road for collaboration which was a necessary element for European peace. “We hope it will be lasting and fruitful,” said the Duce. During the short but cordial conversations at the Palazzo Venezia, which took place before the banquet yesterday, Signor Mussolini constantly reassured Mr. Chamberlain of his desire for peace. It is not clear whether he indicated any of the concession which Italy expects as a contribution to this. It is believed that Spain was not discussed.

Well-informed Italian diplomatic writers state that Mr. Chamberlain made reference to the Franco-Italian position, and suggested that Italy would be well advised to moderate the tone of the Press campaign against France, after which she could consider the opening of bilateral talks with France. After adoption of such a policy it is suggested, Britain might be prepared to support some of the Italian claims, excluding territorial concessions. # ITALY’S CLAIMS MUST BE SATISFIED German Comment On / Talks (Received January 12, 10.30 p.m.) BERLIN, January 12. Mr. Chamberlain’s visit to Rome was the subject of an official statement from the Wilhelmstrasse (Foreign-Office) today, which, despite the fact that it was clothed in diplomatic language, emphasizes the German view that Italy’s Mediterranean demands must be satisfied if peace is to be preserved. The statement declares that Italy has attained a new position and thus has new demands which the world cannot disregard.

“VIVA CHAMBERLAIN AND HALIFAX”

Enthusiastic Welcome From Italian Crowds

LONDON, January 11

Cries of “Viva Chamberlain,” “God save Chamberlain,” “God Bless your country” greeted the British delegation on its arrival at Genoa today after a rapid all-night journey. The Prime Minister was enthusiastically welcomed by a large crowd in which women predominated and which sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” The delegation was met by the British Ambassador, Sir Noel Charles, and local Italian authorities. After reviewing detachments of infantry and Fascist youth, Mr. Chamberlain boarded a special train for Koine, departing amid an accompaniment of prolonged cheering.

Mr. Chamberlain arrived at the Rome station at 3.25 p.m. Signor Mussolini and Count Clano, attired in the uniforms of Corporals of Honour of the Fascist Militia, greeted the delegation in a hall of honour improvized from flowers and flags. The visitors were cordially welcomed and were later acclaimed by 900 Britons in a special stand. A tremendous crowd cheered and cried “Viva Chamberlain and Halifax.” The adjoining square and neighbouring streets were lined with soldiers, Genoese cavalry and armed Fascist! youths. The cheering in the streets was continuous till the cavalcade crossed the river toward the beautifully-decorated Villa Madama. CONVERSATIONS OPEN General In Scope And Very Cordial, (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 11. The latest messages from Rome state that the conversations between Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax and Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano lasted an hour and twenty-five minutes and will be resumed tomorrow. It is stated that the conversations were general in scope and very cordial in character.

After signing the visitors’ book at the Quirinal Mr. Chamberlain went to the Palazzo Venezia for a conversation with SignOr Mussolini. Lord Halifax and Count Ciano met at the Palazzo Chigi.