THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1928. ITALY'S FOREIGN POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19966, 7 June 1928, Page 8

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1928. ITALY'S FOREIGN POLICY.

| A review of Italian foreign policy, by Signor Mussolini, shows on examination how widespread are the threads "of international relationship in the world to-day. It dealt principally with the attitude of Italy toward Great Britain, France and Yugoslavia, especially Yugoslavia. Yet a passing reference to the United States involved mention of migration, which brings the subject, through Australia, to this part of the world. Further, when considered in all its bearings, Italian migration policy has an important effect on the Balkan situation, thus completing the circle by bringing the subject back again to Yugoslavia. There is no linking of interest between Australia and Yugoslavia in the connection, merely an illustration of the fact that the activities, interests and anxieties of the great nations have conquered distance, that world affairs in these days of rapid travel and communication are really, of world-wide significance. However, Italy being a European country,, a survey of her foreign policy must necessarily begin in Europe. Signor Mussolini affirmed the reality of the long-standing friendship between Italy and Britain. It is true that no difficulties between the two nations have been made public during the past few years. Britain granted to Italy very favourable terms of settlement when the war debt was funded. It was made clear at the time there was no suggestion of buying Italian friendship; but it would be disappointing if Italy did not remember with some trace of gratitude the creditor that proved more than reasonable, indeed, highly generous, in negotiation. British and Italian interests impinge in certain parts of the Near East, notably in Abyssinia and in the vicinity of Aden. Any rivalry there may be is mild, and difficulties have easily been adjusted. Between Italy and France there has been some friction, but sensational stories that serious trouble was brewing have fortunately proved false. Rivals the two countries certainly are in a degree, especially in the Balkans, where French diplomacy has been active; but there is no evidence that the rivalry cannot be kept within bounds. The state of affairs between Italy and Yugoslavia is very different. Here are real possibilities of serious trouble which cannot be ignored, even if it would be unwise to magnify them. Only a few days ago mob demonstrations against Italians in Yugoslavia created an ugly situation. Signor Mussolini says the conciliatory attitude Yugoslavia adopted had closed the incident. So far this is satisfactory. Yet when foreign relations creep into popular feeling and inspire such demonstrations as were so recently witnessed, it is evident all is not well between the countries concerned. Italy is officially regarded in Yugoslavia with suspicion, as aiming to dominate the whole Balkan or, in the words of one party leader,, to play the role filled Austria-Hungary before the war. This is bad enough, but when actual racial antipathy can be found in the populace as well, the situation demands watchfulness. It is unfortunate, too, that causes of irritation spring up so readily. Italy and Yugoslavia are parties to a treaty of friendship, a very encouraging sign. Any friendliness it connoted was, however, seriously affected when Italy made a similar pact with Albania, a country where the growth of Italian influence is watched jealously by Yugoslavia. Again, reference was made by Signor Mussolini to the Nettuno Convention. This agreement, signed in July, 1025, was intended to adjust various differences connected with Fiume and Zara, on the Adriatic coast. Its conclusion was proclaimed in Italy as a diplomatic triumph. Failure to ratify it by Yugoslavia, which persists to this day, has given corresponding offence to Italian diplomacy. What was intended to smooth away existent difficulties promises to add a fresh crop to a delicate situation.

Tension between these two countries is likely to be accentuated by the working of the migration policy, quoted by Signor Mussolini as removing any cause of offence that the American immigration laws might otherwise cause. Only a few days ago it was stated that there was no need to make any agreement with Australia to limit Italian entry into the Commonwealth ; the settled discouragement of emigration did that already. There is force in this statement. After trying without much success to retain a hold on migrant Italians in other lands, the Fascist Government in 1927 imposed rigorous rules to prevent people leaving Italy at all. The position as set out by Mussolini himself is that, to maintain her position in Europe, Italy must have a population of 60,000,000. It is necessary, therefore, to raise the birth-rate, lower the death-rate, and restrict ♦emigration. Italians are virtually prohibited from going anywhere save to the Italian colonies. Their power of absorption is limited. The result foreseen ,is serious overcrowding of populatioYi resulting in an overflow, temporary or permanent, to neighbouring countries. The Balkan Peninsula would necessarily be affected, and the position as between Italy and Yugoslavia intensified. Thus the emigration policy,. which Mussolini quotes as preventing any trouble with the .United States —he

might have added Australia —involves risks of producing a different effect nearer home. 111-feeling might otherwise exist over American or Australian exclusiveness, but it would not likely have any practical expression. It might be very different if Yugoslavia tried to put effective barriers in the way of Italian penetration of the Balkans. Thus, as illustrating the world-wide effect of national policy, that which Italy relies on to keep cordial her relations far away has different possibilities nearer home. If he wishes to be in touch with realities, Signor Mussolini must put in the forefront relations with Italy's nearest neighbours when endeavouring to show that his country's foreign relationships are wholly satisfactory.