M. LAVAL’S SPEECH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 247, 16 September 1935, Page 2

M. LAVAL’S SPEECH

CONSTERNATION IN ITALY. (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received September 14, 1.45 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 13. M. Laval’s speech has created consternation in Italy, according to the limes Rome correspondent. Moreover, M. Laval has caused annoyance because he showed loyalty to those ideals at which the newspapers scoffed as British hypocrisy. Many points, including France’s fidelity to the Covenant obligations, her hatred of war ami desire for peace and the welcome to British-French solidarity, have dealt a heavy blow at Fascism’s calculations and conceptions and hopes. However, some political circles are of the opinion that M. Laval should not bo taken too seriously, as French policy must be based on the League, while she is anxious to preserve Italian friendship. Others pessimistically believe that Britain has completely won over France.

The opinion is generally expressed that Italy has pushed things too far but the abandonment of a bellicose solution is impossible as Signor Mussolini’s personal prestige is at stake.

BRITISH FORCES. ITALIAN ALLEGATION. Received September 14, 2.50 p.m. ROME. Sept. 13. “What does Britain moan by her formidable naval concentrations? Is it a threat or preparation of- an offensive action?” asks the newspaper Azione Coloniale, which is often the mouthpiece of the Colonial Office. It asserts that nine British warships have been added to the Mediterranean Fleet, British garrisons reinforced and docks, ports and offensive and defensive works reorganised and strengthened, including nets, chains and minefields, especially at Gibraltar and Malta, where severe measures have been taken In connection with foreigners, while stores, munitions, food and water are being rigorously supervised. Moreover, warships are.anchored at Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Haifa and Alexandria and destroyers and coastguard vessels are criss-crossing from the coasts of Egypt and Palestine, with similar activity at Akabah and Aden, where Indian units are expected. This, it asserts, is producing a level of armaments threatening the Italian position in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

“Every new British arrival only invites counter-measures. If the British Home Fleet comes to Italy our reply must be much more serious,” the paper adds.

PREMIER’S ASSURANCE. CONSULTATION OF PARLIAMENT. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 14. An assurance that Parliament would be consulted in the event of any critical development in the Abyssinian situation involving New Zealand was made by lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes. He emphasised. that New Zealand was a signatory to the League Covenant and the Government and the High Commissioner (Sir Janies Parr) were in constaait communication; but he did not anticipate that any decision would be required from the Dominion unless it was proposed to take some definite action such as the imposing of sanctions, in which case New Zealand would be consulted and its opinion ascertained.