GERMANY AND ITALY

Evening Star, Issue 22274, 27 February 1936, Page 11

GERMANY AND ITALY

REACTION TO FRANCO-SOVIET PACT BLDG BETWEEN SEVERAL EUROPEAN POWERS RUMOURED POSSIBILITY OF THREAT TO LOCARNO Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright | LONDON, February 26. M. Flaudin’s gesture to Germany, including an appeal to return to Geneva, is regarded as introducing an important new factor in the situation to which Herr Hitler must give attention before taking further action. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Paris correspondent suggests that the pact may not be ratified until June, after the French elections. , Meanwhile, several) sources, including the ; Rome correspondent of ‘ The Times,’ refer to strong rumours of a bloc between Italy, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Hungary. Nothing has yet been decided, but it is believed that Britain’s guarded response to Herr Hitler’s overtures has opened the possibility, of more cordial relations between Italy and Germany. Moreover, Signor Mussolini strongly opposed the FrancoSoviet Pact. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent believes that Italy and Germany may attempt to utilise the pact as a lever to secure their own ends, Italy aiming at the lifting of sanctions and Germany seeking the conclusion of a western air pact by a mutual , threat to denounce Locarno, which may also be used towards a general discussion of grievances with great colony-holding countries. ANTI-LEAGUE ALLIANCE IMPROBABLE ITALY HOT CONCERNED WITH PACT LONDON, February 26. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Rome correspondent says: “ Although it is denied that Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler intend jointly to ■ repudiate Locarno if the Franco-Soviet Pact is ratified, the .possibility of it is anxiously being discused. It is believed in some quarters that negotiations have actually reached a stage at which Signor Mussolini and Herr Hitler are studying the best means of bringing pressure to bear on the Locarno signatories.’.’ The ‘ News-Chronicle’s ’ diplomatic correspondent, says: “An anti-League alliance between Italy and Germany is most improbable. The general impression in London is that Italy and Germany are using each other for the purposes of bluff. Germany apparently thinks she can frighten France out of ratifying the Franco-Soviet Pact, and Italy that she can frighten _|he League out of imposing further sanctions.’’ The ‘ Manchester Guardian’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says: '“ There is no real evidence that Italy and Germany have been drawn closer together. The Franco-Soviet Pact does not concern Italy and does not affect her interests, while Germany is still most reluctant to estrange Britain. Herr Hitler think's, rightly or wrongly, that the dispute between Italy and the League is really an Anglo-Italian dispute and may lead to .a Mediterranean war. By ranging herself on Italy’s side Germany, according to Herr Hitler’s view, would be ranging herself against Britain.” The Paris correspondent of ‘ The Timesemphasises Flandin’s readiness to submit'to The Hague the question whether the Franco-Soviet Pact is compatible with Locarno. , This does not mean that ratification of the pact will be delayed until the document has received The Hague Court’s approval. The French Governnient’s view is that The Hague Court’s judgment would be conclusive on the legal issue, besides affording fresh proof of French good faith. Germany is represented in the court. i NOT IMPRESSED GERMAN AUTHORITATIVE CIRCLES BERLIN, February 26. (Received February 27 ; at 2 p.m.) .M. Flandin’s offer • to submit the Franco-Soviet Pact' to The Hague Court has not impressed authoritative circles, where it is argued that the German objections are political as well as juridical.