MILITARY ALLIANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 May 1939, Page 5

MILITARY ALLIANCE

LOGICAL CONCLUSION OF CONDITION ITALY AND GERMANY WANT PEACE PACT CAUSES LITTLE SURPRISE IN LONDON f UP A—By Elec Li ic lclugrapb -Copy rigbtj (Received 10th May, 9 a.m.) LONDON, 9th May. The German Foreign Minister, Hen i von Ribbentrop, before returning tc Berlin from Milan to-day, said: “The Italo-German military pac'. is the i logical conclusion of a condition exist(ing for years, but the Axis desires 1 to demonstrate this for the benefit of a ' world of forgei's, quill drivers and I prophesying inciters in order to make j it clear that nothing can interfere with j the solidarity of the two nations.” j “The democracies may note that the i friendship between Signor Mussolini : and Herr Hitler is indestructible. They I and their peoples want peace.” Herr von Ribbentrop continued that the pact was unnecessary, but that per. haps it was just as well it had been concluded in order to show the world that Italy and Germany were united and had the same destiny. “Both want peace, but, if the democracies will not leave us in peace, Herr Hitler and Sig- ! nor Mussolini will be invincible.” The Berlin newspaper “Lokalanzeiger,” recalling the desire of General von Moltk, German Commander-in-Chief in 1914, for joint Itaio-Gcrman action, declares that the idea of increased effect of joint action against a possible enemy on the western front retains its justification. This also applies to the East where the countries’ joint interests would be more easily protected. Italy benefits, says the paper, from increased northern protection for her colonial empire, while German warships can use Italian bases in the Mediterranean. The announcement of the ItaloGerman military pact has caused little •surprise in London, and pending in- ' formation regarding its terms which. ;it is noted, are contemplated but not concluded, comment in authoritative j quarters is reserved. It is observed j however, that such a pact would merely I render explicit what long has been imj plied in repeated declarations from Berlin and Rome. A message from Rome states that the text of the Italo-German military pact is now being drafted. The Foreign Minister. Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano, will probably meet again early in June to affix their signatures. The “Messagero” says “This will end rumours of an axis split and counteract the implacable and feverish British and French encirclement plan.” Field Marshal Goering left for Spain escorted by two destroyers says a message from San Reno. A message from Munich states that Herr von Ribbentrop a. i ived from Italy, He will see Herr Hitler later. ITALIAN ARMY BEING PUT IN STATE OF “ENTIRE READINESS” (Received 10th May, 9.15 a.m.") ROME, 9tb May. An official report issued last night after a meeting of army chiefs, including Prince Umberto, Marshal Badoglio and General Graziani, stated that the “subjects discussed were measures already taken or about to be taken for rapid military preparation, the rapid rate at which the organisation of the frontier army was being perfected and the measures being taken to put the army in a stale of entire leadiness.”

BLACK-OUT IN ENGLAND AIR DEFENCE EXERCISES [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, Bth May. An area of some 60 square miles, inckvling the whole of the Aldershot command. was blacked out last night for the final phase of the exercises in passive air defence and air-raid precautions. The whole machinery for dealing with casualties and damage caused by high explosive and incendiary bombs was put into motion. NATIONAL SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC MEN FIRST TO SIGN RUGBY, Bth May. Cape Town agency messages state that members of the South African Cabinet and mayors and councillors of the principal centres throughout the country were the first to sign the Union registers for national voluntary service when the lists opened. From all parts of the Union the response was excellent, old and young members . f all trades and professions and many ex-soldiers placing their lames on the registers. TERRITORIAL CLAIMS REJECTED BY RUMANIA TJ.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 10th May, 1.20 p.m.) BUCHAREST. 9th May. King Carol in a speech said Rumania was peaceful and desired completed deelopmcnt in tranquility, but was determined to guard her integrity and independence This is interpreted as rejection of the Bulgarian and Hungarian territorial claims. TRADE REPORTED DEMANDS BY GERMANY U PA—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 10th May. 12.20 pm) KAUNAS. 9th May The Lithuanian delegation returned Tom Berlin. Germany is reported to be demanding— •l) That 45 per cent, of Lithuania's ports should be directed to Germany in return for corresponding imports. (2) Thef Lithuania's entire sea trade shot* 1 ' 1 ”-'~ough Memel. (3) ’ ’ L ithuania must not build her own oort !♦ j s ciio-ioctpfi that Lithuania should not build new industries in her own territory, but use those of Memel. which were handed over to Germany.