GRAVELY CONCERNED BY REPORTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 14 April 1939, Page 5

GRAVELY CONCERNED BY REPORTS

! On Easter Sunday Lord Perth saw the Italian Foreign Secretary again, and informed him that although Britain had taken note of these assurances it was nevertheless gravely concerned by reports reaching it. Lord Perth added that Britain found it difficult to believe, if the situation between Italy and Albania was as had been described prev- | iously by Count Ciano, that the differ- . cnees between the two countries were incapable of solution by negotiation, and that Britain found it equally diffl- ; cult to understand or reconcile the I landing of Italians on the Albanian coast with the integrity of Albania’s frontiers. Lord Perth further informed Count Ciano that his Government felt that it waj entitled to the frankest and fullest explanation not only of present developments, but also of the future intentions of Italy. He added that the explanation proffered to date had caused Britain profound misgivings, and would not satisfy British public opinion. When pressed by Lord Perth as to what were the Italian intentions regarding the future, bearing in mind the definite pledges and assurances which the Italian Government had already gi’ en. Count Ciano said that this would depend on the wishes of the Albanians themselves.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that when Lord Halifax saw Signor Crolla at a late hour on Easter Eve, Signor Crolla communicated a message from Signor Mussolini, which stated, among other things, that neighbouring countries—Yugoslavia and Greece—were perfectly calm, and it was very clear that Italy was not going to cause trouble in neighbouring countries. On Saturday Signor Crolla drew attention to information in his possession that the English Sunday Press was likely to discuss the possible course of action by the British Government, including the occupation of Corfu. He assured Lord Halifax that the Italians were not going to threaten Greek independence, but stated that any British occupation of Corfu would have a very dangerous reaction. Lord Halifax told him that he could dismiss from his mind the idea thjt the British Government had any intention of occupying Corfu: but Lord Halifax also made it clear that Britain would take a very grave view if anybody else occupied it. GRAVITY OF DECISION REALISED Lord Halifax, after his statement in the House of Lords, added:

“The Government is fully aware of the gravity of the decision recorded, but it has taken this course after full reflection and consideration in the belief tha: as things stand to-day a perfectly clear declaration of its attitude in certain events from which in no case can Britain properly stand aside would render those events less likely.” Mr Geo. Lansbury (Lab.) asked what guarantee there was, if once more Europe were plunged into war, that masses of young men would not again have given their lives in an adventure which led nowhere?

Mr Anthony Eden <C.) disagreed with Mr Attlee that the Government was pursuing the same old policy. It seemed to him that it was very definitely engaged upon a new policy. There could be no more serious new policy than the commitments that had been announced that day to Greece and Rumania by Britain and France. He contended they were doing what they could to build up what might be called a peace front. Faced with methods which had been adopted by other States. Britain had first of all to cry a halt, .but she must make it absolutely plain that she was doing that not because she was filled with dislike or animosity to any people anywhere on earth, but simply because if that process went on it was impossible to hope to preserve peace.