MUSSOLINI TALKS

Evening Post, Issue 11, 13 July 1936, Page 11

MUSSOLINI TALKS

ABYSSINIA PLANS

ITALY A SATISFIED STATE

GESTURE TO BRITAIN

Signor Mussolini, in a special interview he has granted me, discussed the vital questions with which Europe is confronted following Italy's military success in- Abyssinia, telegraphed the diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" on May 28. In view of the importance which must attach to this record of the conversation, I give without comment the questions I put to the Duce and his replies as they were made to me and confirmed in writing. "The agenda of this interview was drawn up under the following heads: — Means to restore confidence in the Mediterranean. Future of Abyssinia. Relations of Abyssinia with other , countries. . Armaments in Africa. Anglo-Italian relations. European affairs. Future of the League and Italy and Sanctions. Signor Mussolini received me in his great office room at the Palazzo Vcnezia. Symptomatic of his essentially practical approach to all the affairs of life, his dress was the most, comfortable for hard work on a hot daywhite flannel trousers, tennis shirt and tie, and a grey flannel jacketHe was in excellent spirits; happy and confident in manner; vitally interested in the British attitude; intensely concerned that his words should carry ; the same conviction with which they were spoken. NEW ROMAN EMPIRE. Following is the record of our con.versation:—' ; -■■■•.'■'' Question: i Can your' Excellency indicate the guiding principles which will govern Italian policy over a long ■period in the development of the new Empire? • Reply: "This task will engage our attention for scores-of years, since the country is very large and everything remains to be done." Can one say that, with tile inclusion of Abyssinia within the territories under Italian sovereignty, the new Roman Empire is complete? . • "The end of sanctions will mark the entry of, Italy into the ranks of the .satisfied States." The "smaller Mediterranean States • today exist in the shadow of a fear that Italian Imperialistic policy may become a menace to them. Is this justified? "These States have nothing to fear, absolutely nothing. Italy has treaties of friendship with Greece and Turkey and is determined to observe them." There is also the element of anxiety created by the nervousness which Italian domination in Albania causes in Greece and Yugoslavia. "Italy's policy in Albania is quite clear and. absolutely straightforward. Its sole object is to preserve, and to respect the independent status of this small country, which for centuries has lived in friendship with us." By what method can confidence be restored in the basin of the Mediterranean? What international instrument could best be,negotiated to ensure the maintenance of the status quo and the freedom of navigation in this sea? Would Italy favour a pact of the Great Powers only, or would it be her wish to see included all the States of the■-■ Mediterranean group? Does she ■consider that -the limitation of naval forces is necessary? : NO INITIATIVE. "In the present circumstances, and so long as sanctions continue, Italy cannot and will not take any political initiative with regard to. the .Mediterranean agreement , Sanctions,'^ once ended, we shall examine " these problems with the desire to - reach an understanding and with a spirit of collaboration and of peace." ■•■-•■.'.- ■'■ . .Can Italy reassure the smaller Mediterranean States that she will beat no malice againsj them by reason of:the "We are not a people given to ran,cour v and I .myself demonstrate this by giving this interview;to your paper ■which ;has been so unfair 4d so ho: ?h* tV UV- CaUSV e' l h°l™ *is marks * ° f befT mfr, Of a new policy on the P-f»ru° f .the Daily Telegraph."' What is the governing idea for the organisation of the. new Italian empire? Is lt correct to say that in the mam lines the British model in India S' A? - fOllr ed? In this case wm East Africa be directly represented at Geneva as the British Dominions are' We .are preparing the organic statute of the new empire. Clfariv we. shall take into account the e£ penence gamed by the British Empire* Does a plan exist for the organisa Aion of a large black army? rgamsa we can mobilise 37 classes of rp ■folS^W^ aM tMs means 'A™ TRADE OPPORTUNITIES. •Will other nations be permitted tn trade within the limits of the new empire and on what conditions? We are still studying the problem of the commercial relations of our T?i « Wlth fo«ign States, but we nearer to Eritrea? . i-t-ncrc ''The- capital^ will be Addis Ababa." •,hS,M i?eS?r-^! 'that conversations should be initiated with Britain and France to regulate relations between WitoS 6mPire *nd n(:i^ounn S th!n ff be- ieV + l that il would be a good thing, m the new and irrevocable situation created, to start conversatidns designed to harmonise the economic interests of France and of Britain with our own and to discuss any other question useful for the establishment of the1 friendliest neighbourly relations between the three Powers." Should the question of the use of the waters of Lake Tsana be the object of negotiation between the Italian authorities in Africa and the British and Egyptian authorities on the spot? WILIi BE RESPECTED. "The interests of Britain, in so far as the waters of Lake Tsana are concerned, will be strictly respected. I have said so several times. An agreement should, be perfectly simple and easy." ' Is it possible to avoid a race in armaments in Africa? ."I do not see at all why there should be any armaments race in Africa." What is going to happen to the large garrison now maintained in Libya? "The garrison in Libya is not so large as is believed. It will not be withdrawn until the situation in the Mediterranean has been eased. The whole of this force will be brought home as soon as.your ships are withdrawn." In your view is it desirable that there should be an Anglo-Italian rapprochement? What steps could Britain take to facilitate this? Can it be stated that Italian representatives in East Africa are entrusted to seek a

friendly co-operation with the British authorities?

"Not only is an Anglo-Italian | rapprochement desirable but it is necessary, and for my part I will do everything which lies in my power to bring it about. Relations between British and Italian authorities in Africa have always been correct." AUSTRIAN POLICY. Does the independence of Austria still remain one of the irrevocable principles of Italian policy in Europe? If the need for action should arise will Italy consult with Britain or France or would she act alone? "Italian policy with regard to Austria is known, and the Rome protocols confirm this." Should.the League continue to exist is its reform necessary; if so, in what sense? . "The League can go on, if it reforms itself." Will the continuation of sanctions bring about the withdrawal of Italy from the League? •flf sanctions are continued, the problem of remaining in the League or of leaving it will present itself in an urgent form." Will the liquidation of sanction's bring about the return of Italy to the concert of Europe? "The end of sanctions will produce a general easing of the position and will open up a favourable prospect for stabilisation and collaboration m Europe."

■ The Duce concluded by saying, "I beg you to" repeat and to make everybody understand that Fascist Italy wants peace and that she will* do everything which lies in her pdwer to preserve peace. War in Europe would be Europe!s catastrophe."