ITALIAN ASSURANCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 146, 5 June 1936, Page 9

ITALIAN ASSURANCE

No Designs Against British Interests

MEDITERRANEAN PACT

By Telegrajh—Press Assn. —Copyright LONDON, June 4. Signor Dino Grand!, Italian Ambassador in London, again visited the Hon, Anthony Eden on June 3 and repeated Signor Mussolini’s assurances that Italy has no designs against British interests. He also officially confirmed Signor Mussolini’s public statements about his willingness to enter into a Mediterranean pact and join in a common effort to stabilise Europe as soon as sanctions are repealed.

“The Times’’ diplomatic correspondent says: “British official circles fully appreciate the value of Signor Mussolini’s assurances, but it is emphasised that these can neither imply nor bo allowed to lead to separate bilateral negotiations. British action throughout the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia has been collective action through tho League. Any liquidation of that conflict must .therefore, continue to be through the League. “The British view is that Signor Mussolini’s assurances should, be .conveyed, not to one League Power but to the League as a whole at Geneva.” The “Daily Telegraph’s” Geneva correspondent says: “Signor Borascopa, the Italian permanent delegate, protested to M. Avenol, SecretaryGeneral of the League, against tho proposed convocation of the League Assembly. It is also reported that the Italian Minister at Prague informed Dr. Benes, tho Assembly’s president, that if convoked it will mean Italy’s final withdrawal from the League.”

Tho “Manchester Guardian’s” Paris correspondent says: “Authoritative French circles assert that before sanctions can bo lifted Italy must give guarantees of good conduct, not only regarding tho Mediterranean but also tho Red Sea, where Italy must undertake not to build fortifications enabling her to block up the eastern sea route. Efforts are also being made to secure from Italy assurances that no native army will be raised in Abyssinia which would menace tho Sudan or other territories.”