MUSSOLINI’S ATTITUDE

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

MUSSOLINI’S ATTITUDE

. BRITISH MINISTERS IMPRESSED FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS I British Official Wireless] RUGBY, 14th January. An official report issued in Rome states:— “In the conversations during the last few days between Signor Mussolini and Mr Chamberlain, in which also Count Ciano and Lord Halifax took a part, major questions of moment and the relations between the two Empires were examined. “These conversations ad been characterised by the greatest cordiality and led to a frank and wide exchange of views between the two countries in the spirit of friendship which animates the agreement of 16th April. It was also decided to proceed at the earliest moment to the conclusion of the special conventions as set i rth in that instrument. “During the conversations there emerged once more the firm determination of Italy and Britain to pursue a policy which aims effectively at the maintenance of peace—a policy toward which the efforts of the two Governments have been and will continue to be directed.” There is authority for stating that, the British Ministers are thoroughly satisfied with the results of their visit and were much impressed with the frankness and cordiality displayed by the Duce in the course of the convercations and by his emphatic assurances of his earnest desire for the restoration and preservation of world peace. Hopes were expressed by those close to Mr Chamberlain that these man-to-man talks in the intimacy of a private room have built a bridge over which later traffic ol ! benefit to both countries might pass. In this respect it is confidently asserted that these contacts have fulfilled expectations. Both Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax will be present at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting when, it is assumed, the results of the visit will be discussed. GERMAN APPROVAL OF TALKS BERLIN, 14th January. A political spokesman praised the British and Italian conversations as being progress by direct contact. He added that Signor Mussolini did not ask anything unreasonable. AUDIENCE WITH THE POPE ROME, 14th January. Following the conversations Lord Halifax received the French and American Ambassadors and gave them an outline of the talks, after which the Pope gave an audience to Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax at the Vatican. The Pope modified the usually strict etiquette requiring isitors to wear evening dress and permitted his visitors to wear formal morning colthes The Pope presented Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax with gold medals inscribed with portraits of Bishop Fisher and Sir Thomas More, saying: “I give these great Britons of former times to similar Britons of to-day.”