COAL FOR ITALY

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1940, Page 8

COAL FOR ITALY

From United States [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] .(Received March 12, 10.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 12. The Pittsburgh Coal Company which the United States largest producer of coal, is negotiating for the sale of coal to Italy. RELEASED CARGOES. MR. CHAMBERLAIN’S HOPES. RUGBY.. March 11. Mr Chamberlain, announcing in the Commons the successful conclusion of the conversations with Italy, regarding German sea-borne coal, said: I have no doubt that there will be genuine satisfaction in this country over the solution of what might have been a troublesome dispute, by the application to the problem of common sense and goodwill. It may be hoped that the way has now been opened for the resumption of negotiations between our two countries, for the furtherance of trade, to our mutual advantage. To-day’s Press comment on Britain’s decision to release the German coal in the 13 Italian ships is in tune with the approving note struck in the Sunday Press.

“The Times” puts the matter in quite a different light, emphasising that the agreement leaves the policy of the November Order-in-Council uncompromised. The sole dissentient voice is that of the “News-Chronicle,” which fears that the concession which Britain has freely made, on the discovery that the Italians have been acting in good faith on a genuine misapprehension, may be interpreted as a sign of weakness,