EUROPEAN RELATIONS

Grey River Argus, 3 December 1938, Page 7

EUROPEAN RELATIONS

BRITISH ATTITUDE Ready for Consultation RUGBY, December 1. Mr Chamberlain told the Commons he had seen statements Germany was in the process of Army Corps, but the Bntis ment had no confirmation of these P °Asked if Britain would consult with Russia on the international situation, on the lines of the recent Angioj Tench conversations, Mr Chamberlain pointed out that Britain and France stood in ship which rendered desirable the cent Paris conversations. While the X procedure would not be suiWde in every case, Britain was always ready in an appropriate an l at an appropriate time to C '°^ U “ other Govrenments and exchange views on matters of common concern. Mr Chamberlain was also asked, i in addition to the technical conversations between the Staffs of Br.ta n and France, it was proposed to ho similar conversations betwe o en wh ich Staffs of other countries, to which Britain had military obligations, such as Portugal, Egypt and Iraq. Mr Chamberlain replied. A British mission is at present in Portl 101 the purpose of dscussmg matters general interest to both countries. He added that there was alieady cordial co-operation between British military authorities on the spot am the military authorities of Egypt and Iraq. ITALY AND FRANCE. NORTH AFRICAN FRICTION. ROME, December 1. During a speech by Count Ciano in the Chamber, he declared the intention to safeguard the interests and aspirations of Italians. This brought anti-French demonstrations and cries of “Tunisia.” The demonstrations continued outside Parliament, the crowd shouting “Duce, Tunis and Corsica.” “Tribuna” declares the French occupation of Tunis in 1881 was a grave insult and will always be remembered by Italians. It adds: In order to be friends with Italy, it is necessary to repair insults. Count Ciano revealed for the first time that during the Czech crisis,; Mussolini informed Hitler that in the event of a general war, Italy would aid Germany, as she would feel herself menaced. Referring to Mr Chamberlains appeal to Mussolini, to intervene in the Czech crisis, Count Ciano said the Duce immediately phoned to the Italian Ambassador at Berlin, instructing him to tell Hitler that Mussolini advised him to delay for 24 hours. “That telephone message saved humanity from a tragic trial,” said Count Ciano. The Fascist Grand Council has approved a bill making the four provinces of Libya an integral part of the Italian Kingdom. Libyan Moslems will be entitled to Italian citizenship at the age of 18. LONDON, December 1.

The “Telegraph” reveals that during the September crisis, plans were contemplated for separating Lybia from Tunisia, in order to relieve possible Italian pressure on Egypt. This ‘was not overlooked by Rome, which desires to avert a repetition. “The Times” Rome correspondent, points out that demonstration has altered opinion in France, not because the claims are taken seriously, although it is realised that Italian grievances in Tunisia must be considered, but because of.the conviction that Italy and Germany are engaged at present in a carefully planned attempt to weaken Anglo-French solidarity, the evidence of which is seen in the further German attacks on Britain, when Herr von Ribbentrop is preparing to go to France, and the new Italian outburst against France, when Mr Chamberlain is preparing to go to Rome. LONDON, December 2.

Correction: The cable sent earlier dealing with Italion-Tunisia demonstration was sent by the “Times Paris correspondent,” not “The Times” Rome correspondent, as previously cabled.

FRENCH ANTIPATHY. TO ANGLO-ITALIAN PARLEY. (Received December 2, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 1. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Paris correspondent says: Probably France will express to London an apprehension that Mr Chamberlain’s coming visit to Rome may prove a dis-service to Franco-Italian relations and might also cause a damagaing interpretation to be placed upon Franco-British Mediterranean solidarity. The correspondent adds: “A stiffening in the French attitude towards Spanish affairs is anticipated. FRANCE AND GERMANY. BERLIN, December 1. Herr won Ribbentrop will go to Paris next week, in connection with the Franco-German no-war pact. FINNISH FASCISTS. HELSINGFORS, December 1. The Courts ruled that the dissolution of the Fascist Party was illegal. The Fasists are resuming party activities and the newspapers are republishing. NEW CZECH PREMIER. PRAGUE, December 1. M. Beran has formed a new Czechoslovakian Cabinet, in which General Sirovy (ex-Premier) will be Defence . Minister, M. Chaikovsky will be For- . eign Minister and M. Sidor, who is the Slovak Premier, will be DeputyPremier.

i BRITAIN AND GERMANY. BERLIN, December 1. Dr. Goebbels, speaking at Jaegerndorf, Sudetenland, criticised Britain, who he said, enjoys interfering with German affairs, and must not be surprised if Germany intrudes on the inj ternal questions of the British Empire. • 1 He added: Germany will not argue , regarding her colonial claims. Her I purpose is' clear and definite.