CAREFUL STUDY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 72, 27 March 1939, Page 10

CAREFUL STUDY

MUSSOLINI'S SPEECH

IMPRESSIONS IN LONDON

(British Official Wireless:,

(Received March 27, 11130 a.m.)

RUGBY, March 26.

Signor Mussolini's speech in Rome is being studied carefully in London, and meanwhile considered comment is being withheld.

On a preliminary reading of the speech the first impression in authoritative quarters is ,that its terms ■> do not belie the general expectations formed after the recent utterance by the King of Italy,; and it does not appear to introduce any new .unfavourable factor into the disturbed European situation. It was anticipated that the speech would be characterised by the customary vigour and pugnacity, and it does not lack these qualities, but the view is taken that in its substance there is little in the speech that can be described as unduly aggressive. The loyalty to the Rome-Berlin axis which is expressed has not prevented the Diice from laying special emphasis upon the particular needs of Italy, and these passages are receiving special attention. '

Signor Mussolini's insistence on th« necessity for Europe' enjoying a long period of peace will be warmly endorsed in London, and in this connection careful study is being given to the references in the speech to Italian, aspirations, for it is felt in London that there is still time for Italy and France to negotiate for a settlement of their differences. Nothing in the speech seems calculated to check such development Threatening language has been avoided, and the ~ Italian, claims do not go beyond' what > is familiar ground. .. Italy's needs in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic are also well understood. \