Future of Mediterranean

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 136, 11 June 1936, Page 7

Future of Mediterranean

DOMINIONS MUST BE CONSULTED CAPETOWN MAY BE NAVAL BASE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—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 tho development of aviation Cyprus would soon become as vulnerable as Malta, whose future is still undecided. The question of Capetown as a possiblo base for a British battlefleet is already receiving official consideration. It is not generally known that since August a considerable portion of tho 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 COME BACK. Received Wednesday, 10.20 p.m. LONDON, June 10. Tho Times’ Rome correspondent says the reported surrender by Mussolini of the Foreign Offico 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 he 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 Home message says it is unofficiallystated that Mussolini, as soon as the sanctions are lifted, will also relinquish tho War, Navy and Air portfolios, which will be merged into the Ministry of National Defence with Marshal Badoglio as Minister.