FUTURE OF MEDITERRANEAN.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 June 1936, Page 8

FUTURE OF MEDITERRANEAN.

DOMINIONS MUST BE CONSULTED

CAPETOWN MAY BE NAVAL BASE

(By Telegraph-Press Assn.--Copyright) Received Wednesday, 11.30 p.m. LONDON, June 10. The Daily Telegraph's naval correspondent says though there is no question of Britain ever totally abandoning the Mediterranean, the Spokesman for all three services is strongly urging that a definite decision regarding Britain's future policy in the Mediterranean should be taken without delay, for which the early summoning of an Imperial Conference on defence is suggested, since the matter cannot be settled without consulting the Dominions. It is not correct that the Government is planning a big naval base at Cyprus, which is flanked by non-British territory. Moreover, naval experts argue that with the development of aviation Cyprus would soon become as vulnerable as Malta, whose future is still undecided. The question of Capetown as a possible base for a British battle fleet is already receiving official consideration. It is not generally known that since August a considerable portion of the traffic which normally passed through the Suez Canal has been diverted to the Cape route, enabling the naval and shipping authorities to gain valuable experience, especially regarding the bunkering and port facilities needed if the whole of the eastern traffic had, in certain contingencies, to be diverted via the Cape.

Italy's Isolation PREPARING TO COMB BACK. Received Wednesday, 10.20 p.m. LONDON, June 10. The Times' Rome correspondent says the reported surrender by Mussolini of the Foreign Office is regarded as a wise move since the new Foreign Minister, once Italy has emerged from her state of isolation, will presumably represent Italy at Geneva and other international conferences abroad, thereby giving additional weight to Italian participation. It is, therefore, deduced that Mussolini is now convinced of the imminent repeal of sanctions and is making ready to give all the force be can to Italy's resumption of her place among other nations. Count Ciano's appointment is also probably intended as a symptom of the relaxed tension in Europe, though of course it will not deflect Italian foreign policy from any line Mussolini chooses to give to it. A Rome message says it is unofficially stated that Mussolini, as soon as the sanctions are lifted, will also relinquish the War, Navy ind Air portfolios, which will be merged into the Ministry of National Defence with Marshal Badoglio as Minister.