ANGLO-ITALIAN RELATIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 4

ANGLO-ITALIAN RELATIONS

THERE was printed yesterday a short cablegram which was full of significance. It was as follows: “The ‘Daily Herald’ (London) says that the Foreign Office has informed the Italian Embassy that its methods are under scrutiny and will be exposed in the event of further trouble.” It is impossible to say what is, or is not, behind such a message; but it indicates that the British Government is getting tired of the Italian Government’s methods of diplomacy. In the first place it must be understood that the British Government’s attitude is profoundly peaceful; in the second place it is known that certain ardent Italian patriots are violently critical of the British public's attitude towards Italy’s invasion and annexation of Abyssinia. Throughout the entiie episode the British and Italian Governments have 'maintained their mutually friendly relations. Recent cablegrams, however, seem to show that the Italian Ambassador at London has been engaged in activities which have evoked unfavourable comment. The serious aspect of the matter is that the actions of an Ambassador are the actions of the Government which he represents. It is probably merely an instance of patriotism outrunning discretion, but nevertheless dangerous, since in the state of tension, caused by Italy’s high-handed African policy, a comparatively small indiscretion committed officially, on either side, might he magnified into an intended affront. The British Government may be trusted “to keep its head” in all circumstances, and there should be no anticipation of serious trouble between the two Governments.