ITALY BANS BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

Northern Advocate, 10 May 1937, Page 5

ITALY BANS BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

Acute Tension, With Duce in Bitter Mood

(.United Press Association.—-By ElectrUi i Telegraph. — Copyright .3 (Received 10 a.m.) ROME, May 8. It is officially stated that owing to the hostile attitude of most of the British ‘Press towards Italy, all British newspapers are banned from' Italy except the “Daily Mail,” the “Evening News” and the “Observer.” Ail Italian correspondents are being withdrawn from London and the Coronation ignored. ; •

It is rumoured that some British correspondents are to be expelled from Italy. This is the culmination of fresh anti-British feeling arising from reports of Italian defeats in Spain. Signor Mussolini’s order creates fresh acute tension between Italy and Britain. II Duce has never been so ; bitter against Britain as now. It is recalled that not even during the height of the Abyssinian differences, when the British fleet was occupying the Mediterranean in great strength, did Italy act against British newspapers or affect Italian correspondents.

“Gesture of Dignity.”

“La Tribuna” says the withdrawal of correspondents from London, and the prohibition of British newspapers, is not a reprisal, but ? ‘‘a gesture of dignity,” as the British newspapers have disregarded the gentlemen’s agreement, and have been slandering Italy, and creating new, and expending existing, misunderstandings.

The paper adds: Hie Italian people are wounded by the'vile

insinuations against the brave

Italian legionnaires in Spain who are fighting to prevent the Bolshevisation of Europe.

Several journalists, interviewed in London, deny that they have been recalled to Italy. Nevertheless, they are gbihg home this week-end. Sqme pleaded personal reasons, and other business ones; All expressed the opinion that they would return after the Coronation.

The German Press says a message from Berlin newspapers wholeheartedly approves Italy’s action. Hints are* thrown out that Germany will shortly do likewise. Emphasis is laid in Beilin on the extent to which Italian and German patience has hitherto been displayed. '