DUCE AND AMBASSADOR

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 112, 7 November 1935, Page 9

DUCE AND AMBASSADOR

MEETING IN ROME

MEDITERRANEAN SITUATION

DESIRE FOR COMPROMISE

(British Official "Wireless^ and United Press

Association.)

(Received November 7, 11.45 a.m.)

LONDON, November 6,

Reports have reached London of an interview which took place yesterday between Signor Mussolini and the British Ambassador in Rome, Sir Eric Drummond. The discussion is understood to have related to a desire which is strongly entertained on both sides to effect an improvement in sentiment arising from the situation in the Mediterranean.

It is emphasised in London that the conversations are at a quite preliminary stage, and in yiew of the reciprocal wish for satisfactory progress it is likely that further talks between the Ambassador and the head of the Italian Government will take place as opportunity occurs:

Following the meeting between Sir Eric Drummond arid Signor Mussolini, the Prime Minister (Mr. Stanley Baldwin) _ hurriedly summoned Sir Samuel Hoare, Foreign Secretary, Sir Bolton Eyres-Monsell, First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister, Air Secretary, and other members of Cabinet and defence officials and conferred with them.

The "Daily Mail's" diplomatic correspondent understands that they discussed the possibility of the withdrawal of two battleships and other vessels from the Mediterranean if Signor' Mussolini would agree to recall more troops from Libya.

The "News-Chronicle's" Rome correspondent says it is believed that the Duce will agree to withdraw another division if Britain removes some warships. •

The Rome correspondent of "The Times" says that the Foreign Office spokesman states that Signor Mussolini probably referred to the withdrawal of a division from Libya, expressing the expectation that it would be appreciated in London. Sir Eric Drummond explained the reasons for Britain's lack of response to the suggestion. Nevertheless, the visit is regarded as encouraging.