DICTATORS’ NEW CLAIMS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 103, 25 January 1939, Page 11

DICTATORS’ NEW CLAIMS

Statement Expected

This Month

FRANCE ANXIOUSLY WATCHES

Plans For Military Action In Spain

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 24, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON,. January 24.

“11 Corriere Padauo,” the newspaper of Marshal Balbo, Governor of Tripoli, declares that Herr IJitler and Count Ciano, Italian Foreign Secretary, will make formal announcements of German and Italian claims on January 30. 'The statement cannot be confirmed, hut is given sensational prominence. The diplomatic correspondent of “11 Corriere” adds that Count Ciano is going to Berlin on January 30 to participate in the Nazis’ sixth anniversary ceremonies, at which Herr Hitler will make a speech in the Reichstag, and will bring up the colonies question.

Count Ciano will declare that the German colonial claims and Italy’s natural aspirations are linked. Meanwhile France is unanimous in assuming that the attacks by the Italian Press are not based on an honest desire to discuss legitimate claims, but represent an artificial campaign to justfy imperialistic pretensions. Commentators recall the parallel of the .German Press abuse against the Czechs till Herr Hitler showed his hand.

Almost the whole French Press envisages the possibility of a difficulty arising necessitating a postponement in carrying out Signor Mussolini’s’promise to Mr. Chamberlain to withdraw from Spain after General Franco’s victory.

Significant Move.

It is regarded as significant in Paris that General Gamelin and Vice Admiral Darlan, Commander-in-Chief of tlie Navy, have postponed their tour of France’s North African defences to remain in Paris in order to watch the Spanish situation. The French General Staff has presented the Premier, 11. Daladier, with a plan for the seizure of Minorca and Spanish Morocco if Signor Mussolini does not quit Spain immediately the war ends. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Express” points out that positions on the Spanish mainland, such as Cartagena and Alicante, could also be occupied. Minorca could be taken over without trouble as the Government would certainly rather hand over to France than General Franco. The Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, is expected tonight to define France’s attitude during a reply in the foreign affairs debate. M. Blum following ’M. Bonnet as the spearhead of the opposition’s attempt to force the opening of the Spanish frontier.

M. Daladier will reply for the Government. It is understood that the theme of- his speech will be “no adventures, no abandonments.” It is expected that a confidence vote will be taken on January 26.

RUMOURED ITALIAN MOBILIZATION

New York Stocks Slump

(Received January 24, 9.30 p.m.)

NEW YORK. January 24.

Stocks lost one to 10 points and market values dropped nearly 2,000,000,000 dollars in the most active trading of the year today, nearly 2,000,000 shares changing hands.

Foreign developments, such as the repercussions from Dr. Schacht’s dismissal, the Spanish situation and rumours of Italian mobilization are held responsible.