ITALIAN SUSPICIONS OF BRITISH AIMS

Northern Advocate, 19 October 1935, Page 9

ITALIAN SUSPICIONS OF BRITISH AIMS

A tense situation exists tonight between England and Italy. Apparently fierce newspaper hostility against Britain in the majority of Continental, newspapers has stirred Signor Mussolini to the necessity of gaining further British assurances through the j* Ambassador in Rome as being vital for removing “mischievous misconception.” Representations to Mussolini have again emphasised, , that British policy is not anti-Italian, . and that Britain does not contemplate closing the Suez Canal or the Red Sea, or imposing military sanctions or a blockade, but that the British action being taken is entirely Britain’s conception of what her own obligations are under the League. Finally, it is pointed out that naval measures being taken are purely precautionary, and'in no sense directed against Italy. Blockade of Suez? At Geneva it is generally considered in League circles that behind Britain’s question to M. Laval lies a determination to suggest* a blockade of the Suez Canal if sanctions fail. Reports from Suez suggest that Italy is preparing for this contingency, and has converted the port of Massawa into a formidable stronghold for batteries of 15inch guns, with a range of 20 miles, while guns capable of dealing with destroyers and light cruisers command the bay. At least five submarines are patrolling the Red Sea, over 500 aeroplanes have been assembled in East Africa, and the sea is a solid mass of ships for a mile around Massawa. The “Times” publishes the following obviously inspired statement: “The Government views with concern the effects on Italian opinion of press messages sent from Paris, or from French correspondents elsewhere. These appear to have been largely responsible for the grotesque suggestion that Britain is seeking war with Italy. “The constant' insistence that every step taken collectively at Geneva is due to Mr Eden’s initiative has increased Italian suspicions that the British policy aims at imposing upon Italy a choice between war and diplomatic humiliation. Anti-British Feeling. “The result has been that antiBritish feeling in Italy has been strengthened to a serious degree, and is said to have affected Signor Mussolini himself.” The Rome correspondent- of the “Times” says London correspondents of Italian newspapers depict British opinion as steadily more hostile to Italy, which they declare now occupies in British eyes the position which (Germany occupied in 1914. British propaganda is alleged to be insisting that world peace can be saved only by the elimination of Fascism, which, the correspondents further assert, covetous British Imperialism is neglecting no libel or manoeuvre in order to destroy. It M. Laval is warmly applauded in Rome for resisting Britain, especially attempts to scare him, by threats of reviving the Locarno Treaty. Anniversary of Locarno. The Italian newspapers recall that October 16 was the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Locarno Treaty, and declare that the anniversary of the event, which was hailed at the first post-war step toward an under-

[“The Times” Cable.l (Received noon.)

LONDON, October 19, standing between great Powers, coincided this time with a fresh division between them. The papers say that, however attractive collective security may seem, peace can be guaranteed only by direct agreement and permanent, confident contacts, and collaboration between the States who are mainly interested, and capable of securing peace. The British Ambassador to Paris, Sir George Clerk, had a further interview with M. Laval last night, and communicated the views of the British Government as to whether the British Government would be prepared to withdraw from the Mediterranean such naval forces as were in excesjs of the normal, footing. M. Laval, French Prime Minister, had a long conversation with the British ambassador, Sir George Clerk, ahd the Italian Ambassador, Signor Cerutti. It is understood Laval has not yet decided how he will answer Britain, but official circles are confident he will give an uncondi- ■ tional “yes” regarding the support of the British Navy in the Mediterranean. Britain’s questions to M. Laval are raising major European issues, including the future of the Locarno Treaty. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent understands that Britain has taken the opportunity'to remind M. Laval that if France is not prepared to carry out her obligations in the letter and the spirit of the League Covenant, she cannot be surprised if Britain reconsiders the interpretation of the Locarno treaties. French Irritation.. The French general staff is reported to be irritated by M. Laval’s vacillations and considers it folly to jeopardise France’s friendship with Britain, thus reversing past policy. The French press takes a similar view, and insists that M. Laval reply favourably to Britain. , A Rome message states that Italy is also becoming apprehensive for Locarno, which she regards as the only real guarantee of peace, and the vital link between the great European Powers. Signor Gayda, editor of “Le Giornale,” in contrast with his recent attacks on Britain, writes: “It is no longer a question of the wretched Abyssinian affair, but of how the foundation of the political and spiritual system of the Europe of tomorrow shall be laid.” ARMS AND MUNITIONS EN ROUTE TO ABYSSINIA. ABOARD BRITISH VESSEL. (Received 9 a.m.) LONDON, October 17. A message from Port Said states that a British vessel carrying arms and munitions for Abyssinia passed through the Suez Canal today. Another vessel is expected shortly.