NO NEW AGREEMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 January 1939, Page 5

NO NEW AGREEMENT

BETTER CONTACT ESTABLISHED FRUITS WILL BE SEEN LATER iX.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright! ROME. 14th January. “Lord Halifax and myself are departing more than ever convinced of the Italian Government’s goodwill and good, faith. I am sure that the conversations which we have had here will bear fruit in the future, not only as regards AngloItalian relations, but for general European collaboration.” This statement was made by Mr Neville Chamberlain to Italian newspapermen before his departure for England yesterday. He added that his visit to Rome had not been intended to make specific agreements, but to reach a mere intimate understanding of the British and Italian viewpoints. This has been achieved. In a previous statement Mr Chamberlain said: ‘There has been no new agreement, but we have established better contact and I think we will see |the fruits of it later.” The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, said: “I am most satisfied.” He hinted that he might shortly visit London VIEWS OF ITALIAN PRESS Summing up the visit, the Italian Press says: “The Anglo-Italian atmosphere is now of such a nature to maintain the balance of power in the Mediterranean and European Peace. World opinion could not have asked for more.” The renewal of the traditional Anglo-Italian friendship on “a new Imperial basis” is also emphasised and Mr Chamberlain’s efforts for peace are unanimously praised.

At the conclusion of the talks Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano headed a delegation of high Italian Government officials who farewelled Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax from the railway station. Massed bands played “God Save the King” and the Fascist hymn "Giovanezza.”