WESTERN PACT BARGAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 October 1937, Page 7

WESTERN PACT BARGAIN

GERMAN-ITALIAN DEMANDS "COMRADESHIP ALLIANCE" [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON. September 30. “To the outward appearance, at least, Mussolini’s visit to Germany was an unqualified success,” declares “The Times’s’’ Berlin correspondent. There was not allowed to escape a single moment. The atmosphere of mass enthusiasm was more overpowering than any the Nazi pastmasters of political stagecraft had previously achieved. it is insisted that the Dictators have nothing to hide. The Italian-German alliance is described as comradeship, not directed against any nation, but it is clear the inclusion of France and Britain depends on the recognition of Germany’s colonial claims, and Italian interests in the Mediterranean, acceptance of lhe Dictators’ belief in the Bolshevik menace, and recognition cf their position as guardians of European civilisation. This means that Britain and France cannot expect Italy and Germany to accept a Western pact unless on the Dictators’ terms. Italy and Germany demand room for Germany to expand in Europe and elsewhere, and equality and security for Italy. Whether their course is right or not. they cannot afford to retreat without inflicting a blow to Fascist prestige, which might, well shako the intoin.-.l popularity of the regimes. The “Diplomatieche” correspondent bluntly threatens those nations continuing to misunderstand Italy and Germany, that their altitude will be carefully remembered.

MUSSOLINI’S MESSAGE BERLIN, September 30. “[ am waiting to welcome you to Italy” said Signor Mussolini, in a message ’to Herr Hitler from Kufstein, on the German frontier, which he reached at 3 a.m. , “Crossing the German frontier, my thoughts turn to the unforgettable days passed with you and youi magnificent people—days which sealed the spiritual solidarity linking Fascist Germany with Fascist Italy, the firmness and harmony of their views, and the indissolubility of their friendship.’ ITALIAN PRESS COMMENT ROME. September 30. As Mussolini nears Rome, there is much editorial conjecture about the outcome of the-meeting of the dictators. It is predicted that an understanding about Spain will form the subject of an early invitation from Britain and France to Italy, although no meeting has yet been arranged. Dr. Gayda, in the “Giornale d’ltalia,” says: “The Spanish affair must be cleared up quickly, for it is capable of retarding a European clarification. The problem must be solved in a clear and definite way without compromises which yield only an armistice, but rather with a Spanish National Government capable of assuring peace in Spain once and for all, and resisting foreign influence or control. Italy and Germany do not seek any national advantage in Spain, nor any territorial possessions, nor any control over the Mediterranean communications of other nations, but Italy and Germany offer a. definite resistance to the creation of a second Moscow in Madrid or Barcelona, and are opposed to any shadowy impotent Government, or representatives of foreign interests in any Spanish ones.” ROME’S DEMONSTRATION. (Recd. October 1, 1 p.m.) ROME, September 30. Mussolini’s return occasioned an unparalleled demonstration, 300,000 vociferous patriots dividing themselves between the station and the Palazzo Venezia. A public holiday was declared. Tho entire garrison of 25,000 troops lined the flower-bedecked, laurelstrewn route, the cliihax occurring at the Piazzo Venezia, where Mussolini, standing with Count Ciano and Signor Starace, referred in sanguine terms to the consecration of German-Italian friendship, as a guarantee for the rebirth of Europe. .Mussolini received an ovation from the crowd, lasting for twenty minutes. CA N A DIAN 1N CID EN T. Montreal. September 29. Accepting his plea that there was justifiable provocation a court here acquitted a Spaniard, Joseph Fuetes, on the charge of wilfully damaging the lifesize picture of Herr Hitler in the German Consulate. Fuetes admitted that he. visited tho German. Consulate in June. He demanded an explanation of bombardment of his native town of Almeria by the “Deutschland” on May 28, after which he smashed the picture with a chair.

An attorney for Fuetes, described the case as being an attempt by all Germany to obtain from a British court a certificate of good conduct from an act condemned by the whole world.