ITALY'S NEUTRALITY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16666, 26 September 1914, Page 9

ITALY'S NEUTRALITY.

MR CHURCHILL INTERVIEWED. BRITAIN'S FRIENDSHIP. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. ROME, September 24. Mr Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, in an interview published by “ Giornalo D’ltalia,” said: “We always thought that it was impossible for Italy to fight on Austria’s side against England. For this reason every order given at the Admiralty was issued in the certainty of Italy’s neutrality. “ If Italy were our ally hor interests would bo Britain’s interests, and her views in regard to the Mediterranean would bo free. Wo have complete confidence in victory; we have resolved to win, if it coats us our last penny and our last man, and tho day will com/e when Italy will be given hor natural frontier in its entirety.” ENTHUSIASM FOR BRITAIN. (Received September 26, 1.30 a.m.) ROME, September 24. The Churchill interview has caused a profound impression in Italy. Tho leading newspapers are enthusiastic in their comments. Tho “Giornalo D’ltala ” says:—“Mr Churchill again has demonstrated England’s firm friendship and clearly indicated that it is open to Italy at this moment to lay the foundation of a positive active alliance with the Triple Entente.” MR CHURCHILL in STATEMENT WELCOMED. (Received September 25, 6.10 p.m.) “ Times ” and Sydney " Sun " Services, ROME, September 24. The Press welcomes Mr Churchill’s statement, made in an interview, that the wiay is-open for a broad entente regarding the Mediterranean, enabling tho realisation of Italian aspirations in the Adriatic and Eastern Alps.