NEITHER SIDE COMMITTED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 94, 14 January 1939, Page 9

NEITHER SIDE COMMITTED

Little Progress In Rome Talks

RIVAL POSITIONS DEFINED

Duce Insists On War Rights For Franco

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 13, 10.30 p.m.)

ROME, January 13.

At the conclusion of the formal conversations between the British Ministers and Signor Mussolini here today, a British spokesman stated that neither side asked for or gave any commitment or agreement. Both, stated that they appreciated each other’s standpoint. It appears that both sides defined their positions without showing any willingness to make concessions. The general impression is that, while the tone of the conversations was cordial, little progress d hr

It is stated from British sources that Signor Mussolini ■ spoke at length on Spain, stating that General Franco’s military advances made it most necessary for him to be granted belligerent rights, which Italy believes is an essential pre-, liminary to a clarification of the sh ’ation. Fie hinted that this would enable Italy to consider further withdrawals.

After the conversations yesterday Count Ciano, the Foreign Minister, said: “Everything went well, and I am optimistic regarding the result.”

Yesterday morning Lord. Halifax called on Count Ciano tor an hour, immediately after which the German Ambassador saw Count Ciano. It is believed that he was told the details of yesterday’s meeting. Lunch With The King.

Shortly before noon yesterday the British delegation drove on the banks of the Tibor in glorious sunshine and visited the Piazza del Pantheon. Mr. Chamberlain placed a wreath on the Unknown Warrior’s tomb and the Royal tombs.

Groups of bystanders informally and cordially clapped the delegation, who lunched with the King and then attended a gymnastic and military display with Signor Mussolini in the Forum in the afternoon. The party attended a gala performance at the opera in the evening. REPORTED ULTIMATUM Italian Claims On France (Received January 13, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 13. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says it is persistently rumoured that the Italian Government has communicated to tlie French Government a broad outline of their demands. One report even says that the demands have been submitted in the form of an ultimatum, but the Quai d’Orsay denies this. ANNEXE TO THE ROME AGREEMENT Exchange Of Military Information (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 12. The statement in Mr. Chamberlain’s speech at the 'banquet given in his honour on his arrival in Rome that Britain and Italy had proceeded to exchange military information recalls the terms of the second annexe to the Rome Agreement. This provides for an exchange of information regarding any major prospective administrative movements or redistribution of the naval, military, or av forces of the two countries situated in. or based on, overseas possessions of either party in, or having a seaboard on, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden, or in or upon certain territories in North East and East Africa.