Mussolini Reluctant to Fight

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 172, 24 July 1939, Page 5

Mussolini Reluctant to Fight

PRESS SUPPORT OF NAZIS LONDON, July 13. Signor Mussolini's reluctance to be drawu into a devastating war at the heels of the senior Axis partner remains an indisputable factor iu the European situation —a reluctanco which Signor Mussolini’s silenco only confirms. Thero are, however, signs that the more extreme Italian newspapers consider it an appropriate moment to emphasise Italy's readiness to support Herr Hitler's claim to Danzig. The Relazioni Internazionali, which represents tho more extreme but

. nevertheless important section oi ' Italian political thought, says: “Since Danzig's return to tho Reich is irrevocably decided upon, wo are ready to march with Germany in the event of an armed clash on this issue. Italy has repeatedly counselled Poland to sur--3 render Danzig, because an intransigent attitude would be fatal to Poland. It s is useless for Britain and France to i persist iu their aim of maintaining 1 Danzig as a thorn in Germany's side, wounding her national pride and delayi ing her definite unity. Britain and ■ France seek fo throw the responsibility for war on Poland." Tho Italian press gives prominence to German pleasure at receiving this socalled assurance of Italy’s enthusiastic co-operation.