PEACE INITIATIVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 October 1939, Page 7

PEACE INITIATIVE

SCANDINAVIAN INTENTIONS EARLY MOVE PREDICTED [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] NEW YORK, October 17. The Berlin correspondent of the “New York Times” says neutral diplomatic circles in Berlin are convinced that an important initiative for mediation can be expected from the conference of Scandinavian Powers and Fini ind which will open, at Stockholm tomorrow. The visit yesterday of Sven Hedin, the Swedish explorer, to Herr Hitler is interpreted as representing a mission inspired by King Gustav for the purpose of sounding German official sentiment. It is believed Herr Hitler was sympathetic, but was insistent that he had nothing to add to his Reichstag declaration. If Sven Hedin has brought insufficient encouragement from that interview, it is expected that the conference will appeal to Mr. Roosevelt or Signor Mussolini to approach the belligerents on the question of an early armistice. The Scandinavians are not expected to assume the ultimate responsibility for such a major diplomatic move, since they are too deeply involved in domestic problems resulting from the blockade.

DIRECT ACTION DISCOUNTED STOCKHOLM, October IS. The Kings of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the President of Finland will open their conference here today. They are expected to reaffirm the Scandinavian Committee’s determination to remain neutral. There are rumours of a direct move being made for peace, but these are discounted. The conference certainly will discuss the Russian advance in the Baltic, but it is unlikely that Finland will receive a promise of military aid from the other three Powers represented. NEUTRALITY PROBLEMS. (Received October 19, 1.40 p.m.) 3 STOCKHOLM, October 18. The Kings of Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and the President of Finland, accompanied by their Foreign Ministers and economists, were concerned throughout to-day with the neutrality problems of the Northern States. It is understood that M. Erkko outlined the Russian demands, and inquired what assistance could be expected from Scandinavian countries, if Finland were forced to resist aggression.

ITALIAN GOODWILL SERVICES AS MEDIATOR LONDON, October 18. The “Daily Telegraph” says that Signor Bastianini, the new Italian Ambassador to Britain, called on Lord Halifax, the Foreign Secretary, and discussed the European situation. Signor Bastianini brought no precise proposals, but he assured Lord Halifax that Italy’s good offices were always available if the belligerent Governments should desire to end the war. The Geneva correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that the King of Italy recently declared: “As long as I am head of the House of Savoy, Italy will never take up arms against France.” NO PLAN FROM MUSSOLINI. ROME, October 18. The official news agency states that Signor Bastianini did not take to London a 'plan or memorandum from II Duce, regarding current events. STATEMENT BY POPE. “SHADOW OF GOD’S ENEMIES.” (Recd. Octobei’ 19, 1.15 p.m.) VATICAN CITY, October 18. The Pope, receiving the Lithuanian Minister, expressed wishes for the establishment of a general peace, according to the principles of justice. His Holiness said: We will not intervene, unless we are requested, in purely temporal controversies, but duty does not permit us to close our eyes when the sinister shadow of God’s enemies is menacingly cast across Europe.

MR. ROOSEVELT’S MESSAGE AMERICAN m”6rAL SUPPORT (Recd. October 19, 10.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 18. Acting in concert with 20 other American Republics, Mr. Roosevelt has sent a message to'King Gustav, placing American moral support behind the Stockholm conference’s stand on Baltic neutrality. The message read: — “The conference of Nordic States, convened by Your Majesty, will be followed with deep interest by the Governments and people of the United States. In the circumstances which exist, this Government joins the Governments of the other American Republics in expressing support of the principles of neutrality and order under law, for which the nations represented at Stockholm throughout their history have taken a consistent stand.” He added: “Your personal valuable assistance and interest in Finland’s fate and her difficult problems will never be forgotten.”