Chamberlain Was Right

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 7

Chamberlain Was Right

Value of Anglo-Italian Agreement SINISTER GERMAN DESIGNS IN SPAIN United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright Received Thursday, 1 a.m. LONDON, April 6. “Even amongst Mr. Chamberlain’s opponents there are many ■who hold that he was right,” declares the Manchester Guardian’s diplomatic correspondent. * * Time alone will be the real test of the Anglo-Italian agreement. Though it is nothing in itself, it is hoped it will mean a gradual change for the better in Anglo-Italian relations. “Official opinion, both in Italy and Britain, approves the agreement without immoderate Hopefulness, but the Italian public, especially in the south, is almost extravagantly optimistic. “It is believed in London that Italy’s influence in Spain will be less intractable than Germany’s, which has established closer control of political and economic life in Franco’s Spain. Germany seeks a foothold in Spain in order to use the harbours and airports in th 9 event of a general conflict, besides determining Spanish policy. Thus she hopes to immobilise considerable Franco-British forces in the Mediterranean area, thus weakening them elsewhere, especially in the North Sea.”