IN ITALY

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1939, Page 5

IN ITALY

MUSSOLINI MOVES TOWARDS NEUTRAL ATTITUDE. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). ..... i • ROME, August 26. It has officially been revealed that Herr ljitler; and Signor Mussolini overnight,..exchanged views- twice. Herr Hitler made the first Approach, by telephone. Signor Mussolini telephoned his reply at 6 p.m. Herr Hitler again telephoned at 9.30 p.m.

ITALY MAY BE NEUTRAL

LONDON, August 26

The “Exchange’s” Berlin correspondent says : There was a very strong impression current in diplomatic circles here last night that Italy might, in certain eventualities, remain neutral in any European conflict. The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says : “Inspired satements in the morning newspapers at Rome 1 emphasise that there is intense diplomatic activity, which has increased the bones that war might be averted. It is hinted that Signor Mussolini might take a hand and endeavour to bring about a settlement.

The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says: “The authoritative newspaper, “II Mossagoro,” states that Herr Hitler gave Sir N. Henderson a plan lor a peaceful solution of the Polish dispute.

ON FRENCH FRONTIER. PARIS, August 26. Italy lias closed the Franco-Italian frontier, along which Italian troops are massing. This morning’s Italian Press sums up the national feeling of, “We do not want tliis horrible caricature oi peaie any longer!” POSSIBLE CONFER. OF FIVE POWERS. (Received this dav at. 10.47 a.m.). ROME, August 27. Signor Mussolini, in the presence of i

Count Ciano (Italian Foreign Minister) received Herr Von. Maekensen, who handed over four of a series of messages from Herr Hitler.

There are persistent rumours in Rome of the probability of a FivePower Conference attended by Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Russia in an endeavour to arrive at a solution of the Danzig problem. The Italian press is hinting at such a conference.