GERMAN HOPES

Grey River Argus, 20 March 1940, Page 7

GERMAN HOPES

Soviet & Italy MAY BE CONCILIATED LONDON, March IS. Reporting on Hitler’s arrival at, Brennero, the German News Agency says: “The two leaders have met in order to discuss questions concerning both countries, and arising from the' fact that Germany to-dav is at war) with the Western plutocracies, while Italy, by no means neutral, but nonbelligerent, is also fightins for the rights of young nations.” “Fasten your eyes on Moscow next!” is the theme of the Gcrmtm semi-official comment on the frontier meeting between Hitler and Mussolini.

It is asserted at Berlin that until the time came for 1 filling in the date of her participation in the 1 conflict. Italy would not lose an opportunity of demonstrating to the Western Powers that she is Germany’s ally, economically, politically, and ideologically, but a Russian-Italian rapprochement was ' the primary form, of which a iionI aggression pact would be 1 the first step towards a general totalitarian agreement. Failing direct illumination from the Brennero conference, observers looked for signs from the physiognomy of the chief participants. Mussolini was smiling when he escorted Hitler to the train, but Fuehrer was pale. Although there is no confirmation, a flood of speculation reaching London from many sources, endorses th.s German reaction to the admittedly vital meeting. The Wilhelmstrasse (Foreign Office) says: Russia blongs to the group of Great Powers, and is entitled to participate in the impending European reconstruction. The same circles envisage the extension of the Rome-Berlin axis to Moscow. Mussolini’s Estimate ADVERSE TO PLAN. • (Received March 19, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 18. It is believed that Signor Mussolini is convinced that the object of securing peace by the method which Herr Hitler has proposed would be hopeless, and that one of the reasons mr Signor Mussolini’s meeting with Herr , Hitler has been to induce him to modify his proposals.

Italy’s Refusal

OF GERMAN DICTATION. “EUROPE MUST LIVE.” (Received March 19. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 18. The Rome Radio, in an English broadcast last night gave the first. . Italian comment on the Brenner Pass )meeting, saying: “It is absurd for ' Nazi Germany to deceive hersejf into thinking that she can influence Italy’s (freedom, her policy, or her action.” Later, the Rome Radio, referring., to the foreign reports as to there being a connection between the Brennero meeting and Mr. Sumner Welles s European mission, said: "It is onlynatural that there should be rumoursj about a concrete peace initiative, owing to there being a general desire for a return to normal' but a mere cessation of hostilities would not be enough to create peace. There are numerous problems winch must be solved. One thing is certain. Il Duce, more than any other European statesman, represents the determination of a Europe that does not want to die. He also represents a Government which, while ready mt war, yet sees in the defence of peace an objective as great as warlike preparations.”