Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1938 THE MAINTENANCE OF PEACE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1938, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1938 THE MAINTENANCE OF PEACE

AT almost tire same time as Herr Hitler was being "uproariously farewelled,” and Rome “in a blaze of glory" was awaiting his arrival, the British House of Commons was debating the AngloItalian agreement and by 316 votes to 108 carried the Prime Minister’s motion approving the results of the recent conversations in Rome. Mr Chamberlain said he had been encouraged to hope that the first step had been taken towards a healthier and saner state of things in Europe.

“I believe that for Italy and ourselves this agreement marks the beginning of a new era,” he fcaid. "In former days we had close friendship with the old Italy; to-day there is a new Italy—an Italy which, under the stimulus of the personality of Signor Mussolini is showing a new vigour in which there is apparent a new vision and a new efficiency in administration in the measures which they are taking to improve the conditions of their people. With the laying aside of temporary differences by this agreement. I believe we may look forward to a friendship with the new Italy as firmly based as that by which we were bound to the old.”

It is generally believed that the Anglo-ltalian agreement was expedited by the position created by Germany’s absorption of Austria and also by Signor Mussolini’s desire to have it disposed of before the visit of Herr Hitler to Italy &s the guest of King Victor Emmanuel. The visit has been described by Field-Marshal Goering as "of the greatest importance to the peace of the world, as the I two greatest men of the century |were to meet in Rome.’’ The

second man, of course, is the Fuhrer. Not only were extraordinary precautions taken for the safety of Herr Hitler including the provision of a bullet-proof train with unbreakable windows —but most elaborate plans costing between three and four million pounds were made to impress the visitor during "a hectic week." The Fuhrer is accompanied by Herr von Ribbentrop, his Foreign Minister, and by high naval and military officers. From recent cables it is learned that political commentators consider it is unlikely that Herr Hitler and Signor ; Mussolini will quarrel about the i future status of Italian South I Tyrol, formerly the Austrian Tyrol, where the majority of the J inhabitants are German. Herr Hitler, it is thought, will be content to forget this problem for the I moment, but is likely to press for ! special port and shipping facilities and Customs privileges for Greater Germany at Trieste, an i Italian port of the Adriatic, which 'was formerly the chief seaport of ! Austria. Another cablegram reported that "no new treaties or agreements are likely to be negotiated during Herr Hitler’s visit to Rome." Germany, it was stated, has no intention of concluding a military pact as a reply to the arrangements between Britain and Italy. No doubt there are some who may hope that Signor Mussolini will use his influence to further Mr Chamberlain’s ideal of a Four-Power Peace Pact but it would be futile at this juncture to speculate regarding the possible conditions Germany would seek in return for her participation in such a Pact. In the meantime, however, Italy’s adhesion to Britain and France greatly strengthens the cause of peace in Europe and is attributable to Mr Chamberlain’s policies (which aim at consolidating peace) and to Signor Mussolini’s decision to be influenced by London rather than by Berlin. If that is so, the future of Europe would appear to be brighter than it has been for a considerable time. Interest in the meeting of "the two greatest men of the century" will be world-wide.