THE MEETING

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1940, Page 5

THE MEETING

MUCH COMMENT

AN ITALIAN REPORT.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright).

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 herself into thinking that she can influence Italy’s freedom, her policy j or her action.” Later, the Rome Radio, referring tj the foreign reports as to there, being a connection between the Brenncro meeting and Mr Sumner Welles’ European mission, said: “It is only natural that there should be rumours about a concrete peace initiative, owing to there being a general desire for a return to normal conditions; but a mere cessation of hostilities would not be enough to create peace. There are numerous problems which must be solved. One tiling is certain. II Duce, more than any other Emopean statesman, represents the determination of a Europe that does not want to die. He also represents a Government which, while ready for war, yet sees in the defence, of peace an objective as great as warlike preparations.” Wlmt 11 Duce and Herr Hitler dis cussed during their 2| hours’ cordial conversation 'at Brenncro is still a matter of conjecture, said the Rome Radio announcer this morning.

This goes for the world, but yet ii does not prevent a mass speculation. The speculation, however, ignores the fact that it is most unlikely eifchei that 11 Duce or Herr Hitler has divulged every part of their conversation. Intelligent deduction, nevertheless, permits of a conclusion that, under the influence of Mr Sumner Welles’ tour, the terms whereon peace could possibly be concluded occupied at least a part of their discussion.

GERMAN HOPES

FOR ITALY AND RUSSIA

LONDON, March 18

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, aiid arising from the fact that-. Germany t;;-day is at war with the Western plutocracies, while Italy, by no means neutral but nonbelligerent, is also fighting for the rights of young nations.” “Fasten your eyes on Moscow next!” is the theme of the German semi-official comment on the frontier meeting between Hitler and Mussolini.

It is asserted at Berlin that until the time came for filling in the date of her participation in the 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, ol which a non-aggression pact would he the’ first step towards a, general totalitarian agreement. Failing •direct 'illumination from the Brennero conference, observers looked lor signs from the physiognomy of the chief participants. Mussolini was smiling when he escorted Hitler to the train, but the Fuehrer was pale. Although there is no confirmation.a flood of speculation reaching London from many sources, endorses this German reaction to the admittedly vital meeting. The Wilhelmstrasse (Foreign Office) says: Russia belongs , to the group of Great Powers, and is entitled to participate in the imj pending European / reconstruction. The same circles envisage the extension of the Rome-Berlin axis to Moscow.

MUSSOLTNI ADVERSE TO PLAN

NEW YORK, March 18. It is believed that Signor Mussolini is convinced that the object of .securing peace by the method which Herr Hitler lias proposed would be hopeless, and that one of the reasons for Signor Mussolini’s meeting with Herr Hitler has been to induce him t-. modify his proposals.

HITLER’,S DECISION. LONDON, March 19A later Berlin radio broadcast states: “The world’s Press assumes that the Fuehrer and Signor Mussolini met to consider peace proposals, but this is not so. The worlds Press still does not understand that the Fuelim has decided to wage the war to a victorious end.”