SPREAD OF WAR

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 7

SPREAD OF WAR

Effort to Prevent 'it ITALY’S REPORTED DISCLOSURE. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 20, 8.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 20. The Rome correspondent of the New York “Times” says: Count Ciano (Italian Foreign Minister) undoubtedly told Mr Sumner Welles that an imporatnt Italian-German-Russian understanding could be expected within a fortnight, thereby recording a decision that this war must be localised, and must not be spread to the Balkans and to the Mediterranean. NOT A COURIER. MUSSOLINI’S ROLE. LONDON, March 19. Dr. Gayda, writing in the “Giornale DTtalia”, says: It is ridiculous to consider Signor Mussolini as running between the capitals of Europe on behalf of pacification, for which no Government is asking. Signor Mussolini has not sought a further conference with Mr Welles. HITLER’S RETURN. BERLIN, March 19. Herr Hitler has arrived from Brenner o. He drove to the Chancellery.

A MARE’S NEST

“Hitler’s 11-Point Plan” AMERICAN PAPER’S FICTION, LONDON, March 19. A message from Rome states that doubts are being raised concerning the eleven point plan, attributed to Herr Hitler bv the Rome correspomlent of the “New York Times,” who said it was revealed to the Vatican by Herr Von Ribbentrop. The officials of the Vatican deny any knowledge of such plan. MR. WELLES’S DENIAL. LONDON, March 19. Mr. Welles (envoy in Europa of President Roosevelt) disclosed that no belligerent or other European Government had placed a peace plan or mediation proposals before him. He added, emphatically, that he had not conveyed suggestions fox' peac=‘ to any Power. “VERY EMPTY.” SAYS ROOSEVELT’S SECRETARY. WASHINGTON, March 19. Mr. Roosevelt’s secretary (Mr. Stephen Early? said: “On the basis of authoritative reports from our representatives throughout the world, particularly Europe, the peace headlines appear to be very empty. “There seems to be no bas’s in the published reports giving an authoritative basis for peace. The publication should not give hope for peace, nor cause despair- for peace.” DUBIOUS RUMOURS. ITALIAN WARNING AGAINST THEM. LONDON, March 19. The Italian Government maintains strict silence except to warn the public “against dubious rumours from abroad.” The warning may ory may not apply to an eleven point peace plan which Herr Hitler is reported to have handed'to Mr. Welles. LATEST STORY.

LONDON, March 19.

It is reported that Vatican sources, in close touch with diplomatic moves resulting from Mr. Welles’ visit, state that Signor Mussolini yesterday urged Herr Hitler to delay the threatened offensive and agree to further concessions to the Allies, on the basis of the eleven point plan, which the Vatican understands does not mean the actual peace terms, but is in the nature of feelers for elaboration later. A FURTHER GUESS. LONDON, March 19. The Berlin correspondent of , the British United Press says: It is understood in well-informed diplomatic quarters that Hitler and Mussel.ni discussed and formulated terms fox the eventual restoration of peace. NO PEACE PROPOSALS MADE. GERMAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. LONDON, March 19A Wilhelmstrasse spokesman tola neutral journalists that there was no question of Germany making P c ‘ proposals. On the contrary, Germany was resolved to carry on the war an til the Allies were completely dei.c ed, and Germany’s vital needs were secured for all time. Hitler s peae offer last October no longer exists, owing to its rejection by England a|France. A BRITISH .PROPHECY. LONDON, March 18. “Signor Mussolini must make up his mind whether Herr. Hitler is trying to double-cross him or M. Stalin,” said a political discussing the meeting of the two dictators at the Brenner Pass. lyy r eeting was the logical development of the trend of German policy, following up Herr von Ribbentrop s visit io Rome. , “The Italian claim, that it has no intention of departing from its nonbelligerent attitude, has been made c.iear, but the Government would oe pleased to see peace re-establish-ed in Europe. Signor Mussolini, how-/ ever, is too much of a realist to think that peace can be achieved on Herr Hitler’s terms.

‘ Germany’s second step, if peace r? not achieved, will be to threaten that she has been promised Italian support, but the threats should not be taken seriously. There remains the possibility, however, of a partnership in south-east Europe. It may well be that Herr Plitler tried to reconcile his aims there with Italian interests, and persuade If Duce that Russian influence could be counteracted by a joint guarantee of Roumanian integrity.”