AT CROSS PURPOSES

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1938, Page 7

AT CROSS PURPOSES

ITALY AND FRANCE Spanish Frontier Issue 1 British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, May 19. It is understood that Lord Perth (British Ambassador at Rome) and the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, reviewed the state of AngloItalian relations, in a conversation at Rome, in the light of what passed at Geneva, during the,recent meetings of the League Council. Lord Perth also expressed the desire of the British Government to see |satisfactory progress in the conversations which were begun some time ago between the Italian and French Governments. RUGBY, May 19. Lord Plymouth, Chairman of the Non-Intervention Committee, has made such progress with the consul- ! tations in connection with the withdrawal of volunteers from Spain, and | the restoration of control, that he hopes to be in a position to call a j meeting of the Chairman’s sub-com-mittee before the end of next week.. FALSE PRESS RUMOURS. PARIS, May 19. The Premier, M. Daladier, issued a statement to the Press that the Government will punish the dissemination of false rumours. He gave as an instance, the recent announcement that a certain foreign country (believed to be Germany' was mobilising, and another (Italy) had issued an ultimatum to France. These rumours are not always disinterested.

I LONDON, May 19. | The Associated Press diplomatic .correspondent says:— I France’s dilemma is serious. Her Government is not strong, and cannot close the frontier because ot pressure from the “Left,” while pres- ‘ sure from the “Right” prevents increased intervention. Moreover, if the Government attempts to close the frontier, it will be rollowed by street disturbances and stay-in strikes.

RUSSIAN THREAT TO FRANCE.

PARIS, May 19. “Epoque” states that the Soviet Ambassador has issued a demarche, threatening that if France abandoned the Spanish Republicans, Russia would seek a rapprochement with Germany, FRENCH MINISTER’S TRIP. (Received May 20, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 20. The French Minister of Justice, M. Reynaud, has arrived in London. He is en route to visit Leeds. It is understood that he will meet Lord Halifax to-day for a discussion on the situation arising from the ItalianFrench conversations.